Revolutionary Breakthrough: Kansas State Professors Invent Groundbreaking Pain Relief Drug for Dogs
A team of four innovative professors at Kansas State University has achieved a remarkable milestone in veterinary medicine. Their development of a new drug designed to alleviate pain in dogs has not only received a patent but promises to transform how canine discomfort is managed. The collaborative effort of Butch KuKanich, professor of pharmacology; Kate KuKanich, a professor of small animal internal medicine; David Rankin, a clinical professor and head of veterinary anesthesiology; and Charles Locuson, director of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or DMPK, in conjunction with Agios Pharmaceuticals, has led to this groundbreaking advancement.
This pioneering drug ingeniously combines the opioid methadone with an additional compound to enhance pain relief while extending its duration per dose. Furthermore, it incorporates Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist known for blocking the intoxicating effects of opioids in humans. This crucial inclusion is designed to prevent the drug’s potential misuse by people, addressing a significant public health concern.
Rankin, a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist, emphasized the urgent need for effective oral pain medication for dogs. He expressed his enthusiasm about the new formulation of methadone, which is set to significantly benefit canine patients.
A team including three K-State College of Veterinary Medicine faculty has patented a new formula to more effectively treat moderate to severe pain in dogs. From left: David Rankin, clinical professor and head of veterinary anesthesiology, Kate KuKanich, professor of small animal internal medicine, and Butch KuKanich, professor of pharmacology. Not pictured: Charles Locuson, a director of drug metabolism at Agios Pharmaceuticals. (Kansas State University)
The importance of this development cannot be understated, given the limited options currently available for treating moderate to severe pain in dogs. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available for canine use, they often come with a range of side effects, some of which can be severe or even fatal.
Kate KuKanich highlighted the critical role of effective pain management in companion animal medicine, noting the dual benefits of this novel opioid strategy. Not only does it promise to improve the treatment of pain in dogs, but it also conscientiously addresses public health concerns by minimizing the risk of opioid abuse in the community.
This innovative pain relief solution for dogs stands as a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the Kansas State University team, paving the way for a new era in veterinary medicine where effective pain management is accessible and safe, benefiting both our canine companions and the wider community.
