Veterinary Information Night - Elita Genetics 04/25

Links to studies 

• Effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem and regenerative cells on lameness in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joints
  
  This 2007 study was the first randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to assess autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Across a 90-day period, dogs treated with a single intra-articular injection showed significant improvements in lameness, pain, and range of motion compared to controls. While the sample size was small (n=21) and long-term outcomes weren’t assessed, the study remains a foundational piece of evidence in veterinary regenerative medicine, offering early, controlled support for what many vets have since observed in practice.
  
  
• Hip Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Randomized Study Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors
  
  A 2014 randomised, multicenter, blinded study evaluated the efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) versus plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in 39 dogs with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis. Both treatments led to significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life from one month post-treatment, sustained through six months. Notably, the aMSC group demonstrated superior outcomes at the six-month mark. No adverse effects were reported in either group. While the study's sample size was limited, its robust design and positive findings support the potential of aMSC therapy as a safe and effective treatment for canine osteoarthritis, warranting further large-scale investigations.
  
  
• Effect of donor age on the proliferation and multipotency of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
  
  A 2017 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Science examined how donor age affects the proliferation and multipotency of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). Comparing cells from young (1–3 years) and older (8–10 years) dogs, researchers found that AD-MSCs from younger donors exhibited higher proliferation rates and greater differentiation potential into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. These findings suggest that younger donor age may enhance the efficacy of stem cell therapies, highlighting the importance of considering donor age in regenerative veterinary medicine.
  
  
• Influence of Donor’s Age on Immunomodulatory Properties of Canine Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
  
  A 2019 study published in Stem Cells and Development investigated how the age of canine donors influences the immunomodulatory functions of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). Comparing cells from young (1–3 years) and older (8–10 years) dogs, researchers found that AD-MSCs from younger donors exhibited enhanced immunosuppressive capabilities, including greater inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and higher expression of immunomodulatory genes. These findings suggest that donor age is a critical factor in the therapeutic potential of AD-MSCs, emphasising the importance of considering donor age in regenerative veterinary medicine.
  
  

🧬 Panellists:

• Dr Jade Jaffar, Founding Scientist, Elita Genetics
  
  PhD in Medicine with over 20 years of experience in primary tissue processing. Jade has built three biobanks, two in Australia and one in the US, including at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. From day one, she’s applied the rigour of human medicine to everything we do.
  
  
• Dr Caitlin Blake-Lane, Head Veterinarian, Elita Genetics
  
  Brings two decades of clinical experience across Australia and the UK, with added startup expertise from her time at Lyka. She helps ensure our work aligns with the realities of today’s veterinary practice.
  
  
• Jackson Gritching, Co-Founder & CTO
  
  A biomedical and systems engineer, with a background in advanced manufacturing processes, and more recently worked on biological computing platform, leverage neuronal cultures derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
  
  
• Paloma Newton, Co-Founder & CEO
  
  Background in startups, commercial strategy, and marketing. Paloma has launched hospitality ventures, a not-for-profit, and worked in VC, she’s focused on building a sustainable, trusted business that puts vets and pets first.
  
  

Elita Genetics is building Australia’s first stem cell bank for pets.

Born out of our own experience as pet owners, we were looking for stem cell storage options like those available in the US and UK, but couldn’t find anything here. So we decided to build it.

This session is designed to give you an open, transparent look at what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how it all works and allow you to ask us anything you want. You’ll hear directly from our scientific, veterinary, and founding team.

For any additional questions, you can reach us directly at:

📩 vets@elitagenetics.com