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EMA committee recommends first stem cell-based veterinary medicine
Arti-cell Forte is recommended for use in horses with mild to moderate lameness related to joint inflammation.
Arti-cell Forte indicated for use in horses with lameness

The first stem cell-based veterinary medicine has been recommended for marketing authorisation in the European Union by The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products (CVMP).

Arti-cell Forte is recommended for use in horses with mild to moderate lameness related to joint inflammation. It is available as a suspension for injection and is given as a single injection into the affected joint.

In a press release, the EMA said the stem cells in the medicine are treated so they develop towards cartilage cells. This can then help to repair damaged cartilage in the joint.

‘In a field study conducted in horses with lameness of the fetlock joint, Arti-Cell Forte showed a statistically significant improvement in the horses treated with the medicine compared with a placebo control group six weeks after treatment,’ the EMA writes. ‘The positive effect of treatment was sustained over one year.’

Common side effects of the medicine reported in the study were mild increase in lameness and injection site reactions in the week following treatment.

The CVMP’s recommendation will now be passed on to the European Commission for a decision on an EU-wide marketing authorisation. 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.