Peptech gets green light for dog contraceptive

Sydney peptide and protein therapeutics developer Peptech Ltd (ASX:PTD ) has announced that its fully owned subsidiary, Peptech Animal Health (PAH) has received approval to market its Suprelorin six-month contraceptive for dogs in Australia.

Peptech's contraceptive implant induces temporary sterility and suppresses sexual behaviour in both male and female mammals. It inactivates pituitary-gland receptors for the master signalling molecule that regulates fertility in both sexes, gonadoptrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

New Zealand authorities approved a six-month trial marketing of Suprelorin in May. PAH's managing director, Dr Tim Trigg, said the company is developing an implant that will induce sterility for at least 12 months.

The six-month version reflects the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's decision to approve an the initial six-month trial dossier infor dogs. New Zealand authorities gave Suprelorin the nod in May.

Prof Des Cooper, head of Macquarie University's Department of Biological Science has endorsed the unisex contraceptive after reviewing test results.

Cooper described it as a "very reliable product", with an exciting future for reproductive control. He said it will widen the options for veterinarians treating dogs facing castration to cure benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common condition in aging dogs.

Trigg said PAH is tackling the potentially lucrative companion dog market first - apart from inducing sterility in both sexes, it has also shown promise for treating incontinence in speyed bitches.

"We will be trying to get it up in cats, but we're looking for someone to help us develop markets in the major countries," he said. "It's not easy to do it out of Australia - you need someone on the ground, pushing it has a high priority. But we'll do it our selves if we have to." Suprelorin is already much travelled; Trigg said it has been trialled in diverse mammal species on three several continents, both in zoos and in the wild.

Among other things, it works in lions, rhinos, elephants, monkeys and Africa's endangered Cape hunting dog, and in kangaroos. Trigg said it has yet to be trialled as a darted implant for population control of large mammals in wildlife parks and game reserves.

Trigg said it doesn't work in bulls, and it is not yet known if it will work in stallions - Suprelorin could give racehorse owners the option not to geld fast but fractious stallions with the potential to earn large fees at stud.

He said the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Centre in Colorado, has been experimentally using Suprelorin on large mammals, like tigers, lions and bears, that have grown too large for trendy pet owners.