COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and East Tennessee Clinical Research (ETCR) have announced an exclusive license agreement focused on addressing the growing concern of multidrug-resistant canine hookworms.
The license establishes a framework for investigational research, commercial research services and distribution rights for licensed larvae to support development of new parasite therapies. Researchers at Ohio State successfully isolated and propagated multidrug-resistant canine hookworm larvae (Ancylostoma caninum) from a clinical case treated at Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center that did not respond to multiple courses of FDA-approved deworming therapies. ETCR is licensed to provide the multidrug-resistant canine hookworm larvae and conduct studies using the parasites in animal models, supporting development of potential treatment candidates.
“This agreement shows the impact of uniting academic discovery and industry expertise to address emerging challenges in animal health,” said Rustin M. Moore, DVM, PhD, DACVS, Rita Jean Wolfe Endowed Dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “As multidrug-resistant parasites such as Ancylostoma caninum continue to emerge, the work of Dr. Antoinette Marsh and her team, along with East Tennessee Clinical Research, is helping advance urgently needed therapeutic solutions for veterinarians, pets and their families.”
Ohio State will continue parasite isolation, characterization and foundational research activities. ETCR will conduct efficacy studies and provide commercial research services to animal health companies evaluating products against drug-resistant hookworm strains. The collaboration also enables controlled transfer of characterized resistant larvae for approved research purposes.
“Multidrug-resistant hookworms represent a growing challenge in companion animal medicine,” said Antoinette E. Marsh, JD, MS, PhD, diagnostic parasitology service head and professor of veterinary preventive medicine at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Reports of treatment-resistant hookworm infections have increased across the United States and Canada, prompting attention from the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists Hookworm Task Force and the broader veterinary community.
Craig Reinemeyer, DVM, PhD, president of East Tennessee Clinical Research and an Ohio State alumnus, said the collaboration creates an important pathway for industry engagement.
“This initiative provides a scientifically validated platform for evaluating new and existing anthelmintic products against resistant strains,” Reinemeyer said. “By combining Ohio State’s research expertise with our regulatory compliance and study capabilities, we can support the animal health industry in addressing an emerging and clinically significant problem.”
The license is designed to foster the generation of data to inform product development and regulatory decision-making while expanding access to well-characterized resistant isolates for responsible research use.
About The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Founded in 1885, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the nation’s oldest and largest veterinary colleges. Consistently ranked among the top five veterinary programs for nearly two decades, the college is recognized for excellence in education, research, outreach and patient care. Its Veterinary Health System is the only academic comprehensive tertiary referral center in Ohio and the region, providing advanced care to more than 80,000 animal patients annually across six hospitals and farms. Located on a campus that houses seven health sciences colleges, the college fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as public health, biomedical research and clinical care. Learn more at vet.osu.edu.
About East Tennessee Clinical Research
East Tennessee Clinical Research (ETCR) is a contract research organization specializing in veterinary parasitology and pharmaceutical evaluations. ETCR conducts laboratory and field studies in compliance with applicable regulatory standards to support the development and approval of animal health products.
Media contacts
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Allison Burk
Media relations and content manager
burk.113@osu.edu
East Tennessee Clinical Research
Craig Reinemeyer, DVM, PhD
Scientific officer
creinemeyer@easttenncr.com