MediVet-America Pushes Forward with Veterinary-Based Stem Cell Product Introduction Despite Competitor’s Tactics
NEW YORK--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--“A frivolous but unsettling civil lawsuit was filed last month in U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, which could have a tremendous impact on veterinarians’ access to cutting-edge stem-cell treatment for their patients,” says Jeremy Delk, C.E.O. of MediVet-America.
“That’s what it’s all about- helping animals! I enjoy coming to work every day because I’m able to hear countless stories just like this! It’s hard to sleep”
MediVet-America shook the coast of California with a very detailed and stinging answer and many hard-hitting counter claims in response to a lawsuit filed in July by Vet-Stem, Inc. (“1st generation technology”). “Apparently intended as a scare tactic, Vet-Stem alleged many false claims relating to MediVet-America’s trademarks and advertising and even made a serious threat of patent infringement. While MediVet-America expected opposition to its entry into the veterinary stem-cell industry in the U.S., it did not expect to be accused of violating a non-existing patent that appears unlikely ever to be granted. In fact, claims in Vet-Stem’s patent were under final rejection this year by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,” said Delk.
MediVet-America has made major scientific advancement in animal stem cell regenerative therapy for pets and other animals suffering from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, ligament and cartilage injuries, and many forms of other degenerative diseases. For the first time, when using MediVet-America’s new, drug-free Adipose Stem Cell Procedure Kit, veterinary practitioners can perform this autologous procedure entirely in their own clinics more quickly, effectively and economically compared to first generation animal stem cell therapy. The new treatment is being launched in the United States and Canada, where a total of $68 billion is spent annually on pet care. Stem cell therapy can lengthen and rejuvenate the quality of life for dogs, cats and horses experiencing arthritis, lameness, pain and a restricted range of motion. Previously, veterinarians were limited to prescribing anti-inflammatory medicine or performing expensive surgery such as hip replacements and other invasive procedures.
Founded in 2002, Vet-Stem began processing fat tissue for the extraction of stem cells, etc., using a process under license (they did not develop it internally.) Vet-Stem’s older methods have been clinically proven to harvest dramatically fewer cells than MediVet’s next generation technology. In addition, Vet-Stem must have the fat shipped to their facility in California for the cell processing. During the shipment cells die before the veterinarians can receive them back for injection into the patients. In one independently validated case, there was over 40 percent cell death in 24 hours.
“You can’t keep a good guy down,” said Delk. “Bob (Harman, Vet-Stem C.E.O.) and his team have done a lot to pave the way and let vets know about this technology and the benefits of adult mesenchymal stem cells. But, now they need to continue their work and make room for new generation technology.”
Vet-Stem has approximately 2,000 veterinarians who have taken their online training/ certification course. According to numbers the company publicly stated in Las Vegas at the 2010 Western Veterinary Conference, only 500-600 of those 2,000 have actually utilized the service on a steady basis. With an eight-year head start to the 80,000+ registered vets in the US, that is less than one percent of the vet population.
"The problem is two-fold,” Delk said. “Research and development is the key in an industry that is rapidly expanding around the globe. The protocol Vet-Stem is using hasn't really changed in the last eight years. Vet Stem’s model has been expensive from the start, and as more vets began using their therapy, the price continued to increase! In contrast, by enabling veterinarians to perform this procedure in-house, the cost of the MediVet technology remains low. It is approximately one-third of the cost of Vet-Stem’s model! I can’t tell you how many veterinarians, with knowledge of Vet-Stem’s stem cell processing, have called me in the last couple weeks to thank MediVet! I hear almost daily from veterinarians who believe so heavily in the benefits of stem cells, but were previously unable to make it affordable for their clients.”
There are over 170 million dogs and cats in the U.S. alone and it is believed that between 20-25% suffer from osteoarthritis. “This technology is too big for one company or one veterinarian,” said Dr. Mike Hutchinson, D.V.M., MediVet spokesperson and leading practitioner in animal stem cell therapy. “I have performed over 60 Vet-Stem procedures on my clients’ animals and have now switched to using MediVet’s in-house kits. I personally validated the superior cell counts and the sterility of each sample before agreeing to share this exciting news with my colleagues. The lower costs, time efficiencies and reduced stress on the animals are enormous improvements. As a result, I can provide cutting edge stem cell therapy to many more patients. It’s wonderful to have this new tool to help not only increase animals’ mobility, but to increase the quality of their existence by reducing their pain!”
MediVet-America South Texas distributor, Brandon Harris, provided feedback from San Antonio, Texas veterinarian Dr. Dan Kirby of Alamo Heights Pet Clinic. Dr. Kirby performed MediVet’s procedure on “Precious,” a lab mix with a ruptured ACL in her right knee, in addition to performing lateral imbrications stabilization. Prior to the procedure, Precious was having trouble putting weight on the affected hind limb because the joint was swollen and painful.
On a seven-day recheck, Dr. Kirby said Precious is recovering much better than expected. He noted that there were no signs of swelling. As of yesterday, she was already walking normally and putting weight on her injured leg as if she didn’t just have a major surgery. “I was amazed when I saw Precious jumping up on both hind legs after only a week,” said Harris.
“That’s what it’s all about- helping animals! I enjoy coming to work every day because I’m able to hear countless stories just like this! It’s hard to sleep,” said Delk. “I sometimes feel like we can always do so much more. There are millions of dogs and cats out there still in pain and we won't stop until every veterinarian knows about this scientific breakthrough!”
“This lawsuit is really unfortunate. One would like to think that everyone in the veterinary supply/technology industry is like-minded, with the care and well being of animals being paramount. MediVet shares this same passion with every veterinarian who took an oath to do no harm and to always look for new ways to relieve pain. With Vet-Stem’s actions here, that clearly is not the case. It can't all be about money. At MediVet, the focus is ALWAYS on the animals. Profits, market share, and growth follow, but we never lose sight of the main priority – our beloved four-legged patients.
“I'm afraid Bob (Harman) is currently a little misguided. I read recently that he called himself the ‘gatekeeper of this technology.’ That's humorous and scary at the same time,” Delk said. “There are billions of dollars spent annually on stem-cell research on both the human and animal sectors. There is one common goal - to develop technology that’s applicable and affordable to treat patients. One person cannot and should not control or be a ‘gatekeeper’ of an entire industry, especially when it might result in animals not receiving care. Research will continue to develop and there will be more companies that come along, and that excites us!” said Delk. “While MediVet-America understands the importance of and respects valid intellectual property rights of others, it will not be intimidated by baseless threats from competitors.
“The market has spoken; Vet-Stem has captured less than one percent of the market share in eight years. We want to help millions of animals with the advanced tools we have been able to provide. A previous user of Vet Stem who recently started using our technology already has 18 cases lined up in a matter of two weeks! MediVet has a stem cell technology that is available to the masses now.”
In a closing question during an interview, Delk was asked, “On your web site, Dr. Mike Hutchinson states that MediVet’s kit provides regenerative medicine as a new tool to complement the veterinarians’ existing arsenal of treatment options. How do you see this recent suit affecting your launch here in North America?”
“Great question,” said Delk. “First, of course, any legal questions should be referred to Jason Nardiello at Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell’s New York office. We have a great legal team over there representing us. Overall, I think this is actually a real positive for our company. I don't believe in justifying oneself by trying to bring down your competitor. You have to be able to stand on your own merits. With Vet-Stem filing this suit, they have essentially brought this issue to the headlines. As a result, their own inefficiencies are brought to the limelight. As much as Bob (Harman) would like to think he is the ‘gatekeeper of this technology’ and the only player globally, he is sadly mistaken.
“We, at MediVet, had to respond and talk in truths, not hyperbole. We will win on direct comparisons on cell counts and death rates. We will win on our pricing model because MediVet’s technology is approximately one-third the cost of Vet-Stem’s. And, we will win on our stem cell activation technology because Vet-Stem does not currently use one!
“It is unfortunate Bob Harman has chosen this negative path. MediVet’s number one priority has always been and will continue to be the animals. We have a commitment to them, and we will not be intimidated, as a company, by false claims and allegations. MediVet’s efforts to help the lives of millions of animals will not be obstructed by Vet Stem’s corporate greed.”
For more information visit www.MediVet-America.com.
