Significant NIH Grant Will Help Lamassu Biotech Advance Life-Saving Pancreatitis Treatment For Dogs

New 'One Health' Grant Could Help Man's Best Friend with Groundbreaking Research
for Presently Untreatable Condition, Provide Key Data for Human Treatment

CLEVELAND, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentum continues to build for Lamassu Biotech's pioneering treatment protocol for acute pancreatitis in canines. The private, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company has received a $2.7 million "One Health" grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support its efforts to advance the development of RABI-767, a novel therapeutic that could provide hope for dog owners whose beloved companions are suffering from the condition, as well as potential human treatment.

Acute pancreatitis in humans leads to over 330,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States and also affects nearly 1.8 million dogs, causing severe illness and high mortality rates.  Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for acute pancreatitis in either animals or humans.

Lamassu's new veterinary division, Lamassu Pets, in collaboration with The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has commenced clinical trials focused on spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis (CAP). The trials will evaluate how RABI-767 can directly target the pancreas to reduce complications, improve recovery, and potentially save thousands of animal lives.

RABI-767, originally developed at the Mayo Clinic, has demonstrated significant preclinical efficacy, reducing mortality and improving recovery outcomes for humans.

"This deadly disease has vexed researchers and physicians for decades, but this investment by the NIH could bring new hope for effective treatment for both humans and dogs. The NIH resources reflect the government's appreciation for the growing size and importance of the veterinary market. It also recognizes the value of One Health, dual track trials that can benefit both animals and human patients," said Gabi Hanna, MD, CEO and co-founder of Lamassu Biotech and Lamassu Pets. "The research Ohio State will be conducting through its canine patients will not only help man's best friend but will expand our understanding of the disease and inform human treatment strategies as well."

Findings from the canine trials will directly inform dosing, safety, and efficacy strategies for an ongoing Phase 2 human trial, creating a rare synergy between veterinary science and human healthcare.

Additional details on the canine clinical trial's progression will be 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.

CONTACT:
Krysia Lenzo
917-428-8923
[email protected] 

SOURCE Lamassu Biotech