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Study reveals effectiveness of diagnostic biomarkers for canine lymphoma
The results suggest that OBD's biomarkers can be successfully translated across species for related conditions.

Results highlight potential of non-invasive biomarkers in veterinary industry

Biotechnology company Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) has announced the results of a study focused on diagnosing B-cell lymphoma in dogs. OBD is centred around discovering and developing biomarkers based on regulatory 3D genome architecture, to be used within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

The study was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Conference on Advances in Liquid Biopsies, and was conducted in collaboration with multiple departments from the University of Minnesota including the College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Centre.

According to the study, OBD utilised its proprietary datasets of markers specific for regulatory 3D genome architecture of lymphoma in humans – as defined by its EpiSwitch platform – to assess if these could be successfully translated into dogs.

Using whole blood from a group of dogs with lymphoma the company was able to generate a new biomarker signature. This signature could correctly identify dogs with and without lymphoma with 80 per cent accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, as well as 80 per cent positive and negative predictive value.

These results suggest that OBD’s biomarkers can be successfully translated across species for related conditions, and could be applied in new therapeutic developments, including within the veterinary industry.

Chief scientific officer of Oxford BioDynamics Alexandre Akoulitchev said: “Our EpiSwitch technology has provided us with a great wealth of data associated with lymphoma patients, and subsequently allowed us to translate these insights into canines, where there is a well-recognised unmet need. It is clear that the fundamentals of 3D genomics open up a new dimension for the application of [these biomarkers], particularly in veterinary science and animal welfare.”

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.