Pioneering Research Will Help Drive Dual-Purpose Treatment for Life-Threatening Conditions in Both Humans and Man's Best Friend

CLEVELAND, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Man's best friend may soon benefit from a new treatment, thanks to a new collaboration between Lamassu Biotech and The Ohio State University. Together, they are advancing the development of RABI-767, a novel therapeutic targeting acute pancreatitis—a life-threatening condition that currently has no effective treatments in either human or veterinary medicine. The collaboration follows the biotech firm's establishment of its new division, Lamassu Pets.

Acute pancreatitis leads to over 330,000 hospital admissions per year for humans in the United States and also affects nearly 1.8 million dogs. This new collaboration will drive research aimed at bridging the gap between human and veterinary medicine, optimizing treatment strategies for both. Given the significant parallels in acute pancreatitis and lack of effective treatments in both dogs and humans, knowledge gained in the effective management of the disease in dogs can ultimately benefit humans, and vice versa.

One example of this with the planned RABI-767 veterinary study, will be the evaluation of different dosing schedules that could prove more effective in managing this disease. Trials being conducted on dogs are schedule to being in the near future.

"This is an exciting development for those suffering from acute pancreatitis and for our four-legged family members who might also be impacted by this life-threatening condition," said Gabi Hanna, MD, CEO and founder of Lamassu Biotech. "By working with Ohio State, we are advancing research that has the potential to help both dogs and people. The data we collect from the canine trials will help accelerate the development of human applications."

The collaboration will support companion clinical trials at the university's College of Veterinary Medicine, evaluating RABI-767's efficacy in treating spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis (CAP). These trials could also help refine dosing strategies to inform subsequent human clinical trials.

"The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Blue Buffalo Veterinary Clinical Trials Office is one of the largest and most reputable in the country, overseeing many clinical trials each year on client-owned animals with naturally occurring diseases. A clinical trial targeting acute pancreatitis in pets is crucial for advancing veterinary care and enhancing human health through translational medicine. For dog owners, this trial will provide valuable insights that could lead to breakthroughs benefiting both pets and people," Adam Rudinsky, DVM, associate professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

This announcement comes as Lamassu Biotech launches a new division, known as Lamassu Pets that will manage the worldwide development of an easily administered, canine-specific drug based on RABI-767. The new division expands Lamassu's drug pipeline and aligns with the company's overarching mission to accelerate hope and healing.

Lamassu Biotech carried out the development of RABI-767 in partnership with the Mayo Clinic. RABI-767 has demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce mortality and morbidity associated with severe acute pancreatitis in preclinical models and has been evaluated for safety in both dogs and humans (in a phase 1 trial).

Lamassu's novel approach—an injection delivered directly around the pancreas—aims to improve outcomes in acute pancreatitis by mitigating symptoms, reducing complications, and protecting against organ failure. Lamassu Biotech has also partnered with Arrivo Bioventure in the human clinical trials, currently in phase 2.

"Acute pancreatitis is an area of medicine in desperate need of effective solutions," Dr. Hanna added. "We are determined to bring RABI-767 to patients and pets as quickly as possible, and our collaboration with The Ohio State moves us one step closer to achieving that goal."
Additional details about the canine-focused trial for RABI-767 are forthcoming.

About Lamassu Biotech
Lamassu Biotech is a pioneering pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for severe and unmet medical needs. With decades of experience, Lamassu specializes in advancing transformational treatments from concept to bedside with efficiency and precision. At Lamassu, we believe in the transformative power of science and the hope it brings to patients and families. Learn more at LamassuBioTech.com.

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SOURCE Lamassu Biotech