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First stem cell-based veterinary medicine approved
“A quarter of the entire equine population develops osteoarthritis at some point in their life."
Arti-Cell Forte for equine lameness available from May 2019 

The first stem cell-based veterinary medicine, used for treating equine lameness, will be available from May and June 2019.

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched Arti-Cell Forte in Europe for the ‘reduction of mild to moderate recurrent lameness associated with non-septic joint inflammation in horses’.

Described as a ‘groundbreaking first-ever approved treatment’, the drug targets lameness by utilising specifically primed, chondrogenic induced stem cells. It comes in an ultra-low frozen and ready-to-use format.

Boehringer said current treatments for lameness are not satisfactory for all cases and ‘there is a clear need for innovation and new treatment options’, looking at the underlying cause rather than just treating symptoms.

The company formed a partnership with Global Stem Cell Technology (GST) last year to develop new treatments and solutions to improve animal health.

Jan Spaas, CEO of GST, said: “A quarter of the entire equine population develops osteoarthritis at some point in their life. Priming the cells towards cartilage aids them to deliver the right activities in the affected joint.

“We are absolutely delighted with our first marketing authorisation from the European Commission and the first stem cell-based product in animal health. We are sure that with our partner Boehringer Ingelheim this product will become a game changer in equine health.”

Dr Erich Schoett, of Boehringer, added: “We are proud to continue to set new standards of care for horses to optimise their health and well-being in partnership with veterinarians. Early disease detection and early treatment are key to ensure that horses are healthy and live longer, happier lives.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."