The research collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Vetcare is creating innovations for the animal wellbeing
Original press release was published here. Author Anna Humalamäki. Image Veikko Somerpuro.
Vetcare and the University of Helsinki signed a partnership agreement in April 2024. The agreement further deepens the already over 30-year-long research collaboration.
The partnership between the University of Helsinki and Vetcare dates back to the founding years of the company, all the way to 1992. Vetcare was established to meet the needs of veterinarians and animals by importing medicines for which there was demand but no distributor.
"Over the years, we realized that we could also develop our own medicines and products," says Vetcare's CEO, Olli Kuussaari.
Collaboration with the University of Helsinki plays a significant role in pioneering research.
Vetcare's Director of Research and Development, Vesa Myllys, explains that over the years, the collaboration has included funding for research projects, commissioned scientific research, as well as funding for residency programs and assistant professorships.
"Since the 2000s, there hasn't been a year without some project ongoing between the university and Vetcare," describes Olli Peltoniemi, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Helsinki.
The close collaboration spanning over 30 years has borne fruit.
"Our crown jewel is the Zenalpha injection, developed as a result of research collaboration. It contains medetomidine and vatinoxan hydrochloride and is intended for use as a sedative and analgesic for dogs during clinical investigations and non-invasive, painless, or mildly painful procedures lasting up to 30 minutes. Vatinoxan alleviates the adverse cardiac effects of medetomidine and promotes insulin release, thus preventing the hyperglycemic effects of medetomidine," says Kuussaari.
The utilization of vatinoxan stems from basic research. The Zenalpha collaboration has resulted in over a hundred scientific articles and around ten doctoral theses. Collaborative projects leading to such significant innovations are still relatively rare.
"With persistent work and partnerships, we aim to see more stories like these," says Peltoniemi.
Partnership agreement with the university opens new doors
Successful partnerships are built on understanding, where organizations comprehend each other's starting points. At its core lies open and honest communication.
"The long-standing collaboration between the university and Vetcare has contributed to building shared understanding," says Peltoniemi.
The university's international networks also benefit Vetcare, and closer collaboration opens up new opportunities for developing and marketing innovations. Common interests include One Health themes.
"The newly signed partnership agreement means more active and systematic collaboration for us, and a commitment to shared goals. Naturally, one important goal is the further development of scientific research: we want to integrate the academic world and business in a way that best supports each other," says Kuussaari.
Collaboration is a significant part of Vetcare's operations
"Within the framework of the upcoming partnership agreement, 80–90 percent of our research will be based on this program. The role of science and academia in drug development is crucial. At the same time, it's clear to us that academic freedom and autonomy are at the core of research," says Myllys.
Multidisciplinary is a strength
Among the faculties of the University of Helsinki, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of multidisciplinary. Collaboration is close, particularly with the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine.
"Over half of our researchers' publications are done in collaboration with other faculties. Additionally, one-third of our professorships are shared with other units," Peltoniemi explains.
In multidisciplinary research and projects, experts from different fields bring various perspectives and expertise, enriching research and leading to creative solutions and innovations.
"We see the multidisciplinary approach as an important factor contributing added value to partnership," says Myllys.