Developing animal pharmaceuticals at Vetcare – the journey from ideas to products in Finnish veterinary care
Ever since Vetcare was found, we have invested a significant portion of the profits in research and product development, as we are determined to provide the best possible means of caring for animals. We work closely with universities, research institutes and industry both in Finland and internationally.
Over the years, our turnover has increased well, which has made it possible for us to invest in the development of veterinary medicinal products. In 2002, we obtained marketing authorisation for an orally administered painkiller for dairy cows, and for a narrow-spectrum antibiotic to treat mastitis. For both medicinal products, the marketing authorisation was later extended to several other European countries as well. In 2022, we obtained marketing authorisation in Europe and the United States for our first original medicine, developed together with University of Helsinki from the molecular level.
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A multi-stage research process for new products
The road from idea to product is long, and often requires as much as a decade or more of systematic effort – and plenty of money. In product development, comprehensive basic research is required, as is testing the product concept and ensuring its efficacy.
The product development journey starts with basic research, usually at a university or similar research institute. Vetcare is usually already involved at this stage. For these studies, product development loans are often obtained from various sources, such as Business Finland. The goal of basic research is to find product concepts or inventions suitable for further development. As we select product concepts in our product development pipeline, we examine the effects of the new product on the environment, resistance to antibiotics, and animal wellbeing.
Once a suitable and viable idea has been found through basic research, we proceed to the proof of concept phase, to determine the feasibility of the product idea. We carry out these studies in close cooperation with universities and colleges as commissioned studies.
The third stage of research and product development is the application process for marketing authorisation for the new product. This also requires research, which we mainly carry out in certified commercial laboratories. There are relatively few laboratories of this kind in Finland. And even when the product is on the market, the development process continues by closely monitoring the product’s possible adverse effects.
We have also invested in the development of non-medicinal products for animal care. For instance, we developed Canius Plus, the first dietary supplement in the world to contain lactic acid bacteria isolated from dogs. It is the result of more than ten years of research and development. Among the other products we have developed ourselves are a natural vitamin E in the Vetcare series, Korvapuhdiste ear cleaner, and Refinie®, for ensuring urinary tract health.
A million euros a year for product development
The development of a veterinary medicinal product is invariably a multi-year project. Since the process can take about a decade, it is not uncommon for us to invest more than 10 million euros in creating a single veterinary medicinal product. However, we consider these investments to be vital, as we want to continue introducing even better and more suitable medicinal products and complementary feeds for animals.