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Veterinarian Creates World's First Reversible Vaccine for Sterilizing Dogs Without Neutering
Until today, sterilizing a dog typically involved a routine surgical procedure to remove the reproductive organs. In males, the testicles are removed, and in females, both the ovaries and sometimes the uterus are taken out.While effective, this method requires surgery and is irreversible. Seeking an alternative to surgical sterilization, Leonardo Sáenz, an academic at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Chile (Favet), developed an innovative immunocastration vaccine that blocks the hormone responsible for reproduction in mammals.
Vaccine Innovation
Named EGALITTE, the new vaccine was presented at the Veterinary Congress of Chile 2024 and is now available for purchase at veterinary centers and clinics across the country. It allows for the sterilization of both male and female dogs using a method that is also reversible.“This is an alternative that can reach a broader population because it is much easier to use. It also has an effect on controlling aggression, especially in males,” explains Professor Leonardo Sáenz.
The innovation was made possible through the multidisciplinary work and collaboration of Favet researchers and academics Mario Maino, Sergio Bucarey, and Andrónico Neira. It is licensed by the biotechnology company NGEN Laboratorios.
Anahí Urquiza, Director of Innovation at the University of Chile, praised the initiative. She stated that the vaccine, developed in a laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary and Livestock Sciences, represents a technological innovation that will benefit people’s lives and contribute to the industry. “This is a success story that undoubtedly reinforces the University’s commitment to technology transfer and innovation.”
According to Professor Sáenz, “We need to use existing tools to turn these technologies into something that effectively contributes to society and doesn’t just remain in scientific publications. This is what we mean by transferring knowledge from the University to society.”
How the Innovative Immunocastration Vaccine Works
Designed as a biotechnological solution, EGALITTE emerged from the fusion of a protein with the hormone responsible for reproductive function, known as gonadotropins (GnRH). This action generates an immune response in animals, temporarily blocking their ability to reproduce without the need for surgical sterilization.“By not having hormonal activity, there is no secretion of sex hormones that control sexual activity in dogs. Therefore, it has a similar effect to surgical castration, but without the need for that surgical procedure,” explains Professor Sáenz.
This initiative originated from Professor Sáenz’s postdoctoral research focused on developing an immunocastration vaccine for mammals. The research was patented in 2009 by the University of Chile, and in 2010, it began being tested in dogs and pigs through the Scientific and Technological Development Promotion Fund (FONDEF).
Currently, the University of Chile retains 100% ownership of the vaccine patent, while NGEN Laboratorios holds the license to market it under the name EGALITTE, an immunocastration solution for both female and male dogs.
NGEN Laboratorios, led by veterinarian Hernán Aguilera, aims to bring biotechnology closer to end consumers by creating tools that promote animal welfare.
Vaccine Launch
NGEN Laboratorios introduced the innovative EGALITTE vaccine to the market during the Veterinary Congress of Chile 2024, held from August 7-9, 2024.The technology will be available for purchase by prescription through public and private organizations and can only be administered by veterinarians following a clinical evaluation of the animal.
The cost for pet owners is approximately 50,000 pesos, paid at the clinic or health facility where the vaccine is administered.
According to Hernán Aguilera, the product has been patented in 40 countries and is distinguished as “a biotechnological, outpatient, reversible, egalitarian solution with no side effects.”
“We hope it will be well-received by municipalities, as they conduct mass sterilizations. In the private sector, we anticipate a good reception from veterinary teams because it is a product that can only be used by professionals, meaning it will not be available in pharmacies,” concluded Aguilera.
The official launch of the innovation was attended by veterinarians and professionals from the field, with support from representatives of the Innovation Directorate of the Vice Presidency for Research and Development at the University of Chile and the Clinical Sciences Department at Favet.
So let me know what you think. I guess this is a life-changing for people and their dogs.
