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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.