We can hardly believe 2023 is coming to an end! This was an exciting year for VetStem. We launched a new product and spent much of the year promoting that product at numerous trade shows across the United States. As our final blog of the year, we wanted to share some highlights from the last 12 months at VetStem. So, without further ado, here is VetStem’s 2023 year in review!

• In late 2022, we began developing our newest product: PrecisePRP, a donor-derived off-the-shelf platelet-rich plasma for dogs and horses. We spent much of early 2023 finalizing the details of manufacturing, marketing, and all of the many pieces that come with developing a novel product such as this.

• In February, we attended our first of many veterinary conferences in Las Vegas, NV. Western Vet Conference is one of the largest shows in the industry and it was the first time we began previewing the upcoming PrecisePRP.

• In March, we announced a major expansion of our manufacturing and R&D facilities. We spent much of the year developing these facilities which are comprised of 13,765 square feet of class A biotech space. These facilities have been/will be used for internal VetStem projects, manufacturing for our sister company, Personalized Stem Cells, and for contract manufacturing of new veterinary biologics.

• In April, VetStem sponsored a dry lab at the annual IVAPM Pain Management Forum for the second year in a row. Veterinarians at this forum have a particular interest in multi-modal pain management and were excited to learn about the upcoming PrecisePRP.

• In July, VetStem CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, was featured on the Fuzzybutts and Friends podcast to discuss all things stem cell therapy for pets.

• In August, we announced the soft launch of PrecisePRP, which is currently still undergoing the FDA review process but is available at a discounted price in exchange for outcome data.

• August also saw the VetStem Sales and Marketing team in Kansas City, MO for the annual Fetch DVM360 conference. We sponsored three of the Fetch shows this year and spoke about platelet-rich plasma options at each show.

• In September, VetStem sponsored a first of its kind stem cell workshop supporting wildlife conservation. The Stem Cell Technology for Genetic Rescue Workshop was held on September 17-20 in La Jolla, CA. Dr. Harman was among 45 global leaders in stem cell science, brought together to share their experience and expertise and to discuss how stem cell technology can further wildlife conservation efforts.

• Shortly after the workshop, Dr. Harman attended the annual North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association (NAVRMA) conference in Kona, HI. This conference brings together some of the greatest minds in regenerative veterinary medicine.

• In early October, the Sales and Marketing team was back on the road. We did two shows back-to-back: Fetch Coastal in Atlantic City, NJ where we spoke about PRP and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) conference in Memphis, TN where we sponsored two talks on feline medicine.

• In late November/early December, the Sales and Marketing team wrapped up a busy year of conferences at the annual American Associate of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) conference in San Diego, CA and the final Fetch DVM360 conference in Long Beach, CA. At both shows, Dr. Harman spoke about PRP and stem cell therapy.

So, there you have it. Another year in the books. It was an exciting year for us and, as always, we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our veterinary and pet owner clients. We hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing what 2024 has in store for VetStem!

International Day of Veterinary Medicine is celebrated each year on December 9^th. This day was established to bring recognition to the tremendous efforts and impact of veterinary professionals around the world. Most pet owners appreciate the invaluable services veterinarians provide in keeping their pets happy and healthy, but there are additional reasons to recognize this group of dedicated, hard workers.

If you’ve been following along with our blog, then you’ve definitely heard the term “One Health.” In fact, we recently shared a blog recognizing One Health Day. One Health is the idea that veterinary and human health are inextricably linked. For instance, advances made in veterinary medicine have also helped in human healthcare. Examples include vaccines, organ transplants, numerous medications, and even stem cell therapy!

Another example of the link between human health and the health of animals is zoonotic diseases, or diseases that can be passed between animals and humans. There are numerous zoonotic diseases including rabies, intestinal parasites, and multiple viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. By controlling these diseases in animals, veterinary professionals are also helping to ensure a healthy human population.

So while we may appreciate our veterinarians for their tireless work to keep our pets feeling their best, International Day of Veterinary Medicine is a day to recognize the field as a whole. All veterinary professionals from vets to techs to scientists have a hand in keeping animals, and thereby people, healthy.

Today officially kicks off National Cat Lovers’ Month and we want to introduce you to the newest members of the VetStem Clowder! But first, if you’re curious about how VetStem Cell Therapy can be used in cats, check out our recent blog.

This sweet orange boy is Rusty. His favorite activities include causing trouble and stealing the dog’s bed. Additionally, he has a hankering for food that rivals a teenage boy. It’s been reported that he has already figured out how to open the pantry door. He’s also been known to jump on the dining room table and climb legs to access the food that should surely be shared with him. His mom is excited (or not…) to see how he reacts to the Christmas tree. Who wants to take bets on how that goes?

Our newest addition doesn’t have an official name yet, though he has earned a few nicknames including “Mako” (as in the shark…) or just simply, “Crazy.” He’s a rescue Siamese who was found in a box at just a week old. He was nursed back to health and is now lovingly described as “AWFUL but cute.” As you can see from his picture below, he loves to play with (read: torment) his dog sister, Darby. We know it’s not a great picture, but we feel it captures his personality perfectly. Darby wants to know if anyone would like a free Siamese kitten?