Gene therapy ElenaVet achieves 90% success rate in canine osteoarthritis trial

CureLab Veterinary Inc., a U.S.-based developer of advanced veterinary gene therapies, has announced peer-reviewed data demonstrating that its lead asset, ElenaVet, achieved a 90% success rate in alleviating osteoarthritis (OA) pain in dogs during a pilot study. Published in the June 2025 issue of Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the research indicates that ElenaVet, a novel p62-plasmid injection, delivers clinically meaningful and sustained pain relief with no major side effects—potentially positioning the candidate as a safer alternative to long-term NSAID use in veterinary medicine.

The Boston-headquartered biotechnology company, a sister firm to oncology-focused CureLab Oncology, specializes in non-viral plasmid therapies that target chronic inflammation and cancer in companion animals. The new data mark a pivotal validation of CureLab Veterinary’s approach and come amid growing interest in safe, gene-based alternatives for treating long-term inflammatory conditions in pets.

What is the success rate of ElenaVet for treating osteoarthritis in dogs?

In the 17-dog pilot trial, ElenaVet achieved a 90% “treatment success” rate, as defined by the study’s clinical endpoints. Dogs enrolled were client-owned and had radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis. Each received a 1 mg intramuscular injection of the p62-encoding plasmid weekly for 10 weeks. The therapeutic impact was measured using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), a validated pain assessment tool.

Mean Pain Severity Score (PSS) dropped from 5.25 to 3.25, and Pain Interference Score (PIS) decreased from 7.0 to 3.27. Notably, 15 of the 17 dogs met the study’s predefined success threshold: a ≥1-point drop in PSS and ≥2-point reduction in PIS. Owners also reported marked improvements in quality of life, with “good” or “excellent” ratings increasing from 1 dog at baseline to 12 dogs by the trial’s end.

ElenaVet’s therapeutic benefits began appearing between weeks 2 and 4 and reached a plateau by week 6, suggesting a rapid onset and stable duration of pain relief. The absence of gastrointestinal side effects or lab anomalies added to the promising safety profile.

How does ElenaVet work to reduce inflammation in canine osteoarthritis?

Unlike conventional NSAIDs, which target individual pain pathways, ElenaVet modulates multiple inflammation-related processes at once by encoding the regulatory protein p62. Delivered via a simple, low-dose intramuscular plasmid injection, the treatment teaches the dog’s own muscle cells to produce the anti-inflammatory protein endogenously, thereby sustaining the therapeutic effect without systemic toxicity.

This mechanism bypasses many of the challenges associated with protein-based or viral gene therapies, including the need for cold-chain storage, immunogenicity risks, and manufacturing complexity. According to CureLab Veterinary’s chief science officer and study lead author, Dr. Vladimir Gabai, the p62 plasmid approach holds promise for various inflammatory and age-related conditions beyond osteoarthritis.

How safe is ElenaVet for long-term use in dogs?

One of the study’s key differentiators is the exceptional safety profile reported during the 10-week trial. Unlike NSAIDs, which can elevate blood pressure, irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and impair liver or kidney function in prolonged usage, ElenaVet did not produce any vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or adverse bloodwork results.

This aspect is especially important for older or comorbid dogs, a population that often presents the highest risk when treated with NSAIDs. In CureLab Veterinary’s trial, the therapy was administered without hospitalization or pre-treatment screening, further supporting its safety and accessibility in standard clinical settings.

Veterinary institutions and clinicians observing these results may find ElenaVet™ particularly valuable in cases where NSAID tolerance is limited or long-term drug exposure is contraindicated.

What is the current market demand for osteoarthritis treatments in companion animals?

Osteoarthritis affects approximately 20% of adult dogs, making it one of the most common and economically burdensome conditions in veterinary care. Standard treatments rely heavily on NSAIDs, physical therapy, and joint supplements, but limitations in efficacy and tolerability often lead to suboptimal outcomes or premature discontinuation.

The demand for safer, longer-lasting pain management options has been growing steadily, especially as pet lifespans increase and owners seek higher standards of care. Biotechnology developers entering the veterinary space are under pressure to deliver therapies that are not only effective but also practical for widespread clinical use.

ElenaVet™, if successfully brought to market, could represent a novel, compliance-friendly approach—especially if future studies confirm that dosing can be reduced to once per month or tailored to “as-needed” administration.

What are CureLab Veterinary’s next steps for ElenaVet gene therapy?

CureLab Veterinary has already initiated discussions with the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), the primary U.S. regulatory body for animal biologics, to align on pivotal trial protocols. The next phase of development will focus on larger, controlled studies to validate dose range, duration of effect, and long-term safety across more diverse canine populations.

Pending sufficient capital and regulatory progress, CureLab Veterinary plans to submit a full licensing application within the next two to three years. While not yet a publicly listed entity, the American biotech company has indicated openness to strategic funding and partnership opportunities to accelerate development.

The firm’s decision to pursue a non-viral, low-cost plasmid model also improves its scalability outlook—reducing barriers to manufacturing and distribution when compared to other advanced therapies.

What do analysts and institutions expect for the future of veterinary gene therapy?

Though veterinary gene therapy is still a nascent field, the success of ElenaVet may signal growing institutional interest in this segment. The global veterinary therapeutics market, projected to exceed USD 50 billion by 2030, is increasingly receptive to novel modalities—especially those that reduce dependency on chronic drug regimens.

Analysts tracking the intersection of pet healthcare and biotechnology point to ElenaVet as a potential inflection point. Its favorable safety-efficacy ratio, combined with a simplified manufacturing path, could set a precedent for future therapies targeting inflammation, cancer, or age-related conditions in animals.

If subsequent trials confirm early findings, analysts expect CureLab Veterinary to pursue global licensing opportunities, particularly in markets with advanced pet-care infrastructure such as Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Where does ElenaVet fit in the future of animal health innovation?

The early success of ElenaVet illustrates how targeted gene therapies could revolutionize chronic disease management in companion animals. By addressing a critical unmet need in osteoarthritis care, CureLab Veterinary’s candidate positions itself as a viable alternative to conventional pharmaceuticals—potentially improving both pet quality of life and veterinary treatment standards.

As the American biotech company advances to pivotal trials and engages with regulatory bodies, industry observers will closely monitor whether ElenaVet can achieve full market authorization and set a new benchmark for gene-based veterinary medicine.