Developmental drug for BOAS shows promise in new study

A developmental drug designed to help dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) breathe more easily showed promise in a recent study. Investigators found that Snoretox-1 could offer an effective treatment for BOAS that is well tolerated and less invasive than other therapeutic solutions, such as surgery.¹

BOAS affects bulldogs, pugs, and other short-snouted breeds.² The condition occurs with compressed and abnormal upper airway anatomy. The upper airway collapses when soft tissues are pulled in, impeding airflow, according to investigators. “Clinical signs associated with BOAS include loud breathing sounds, increased respiratory effort and rate, exercise intolerance, hyperthermia, episodes of regurgitation, sleep apnea, cyanosis, collapse, and death,” they wrote.¹

Snoretox-1 was developed by the Australian start-up company Snoretox to help keep airways open in affected canines.^1,2 It consists of tetanus toxin—a muscle-toning protein—and an antibody trap, decoy.¹

To evaluate the drug for the treatment of BOAS, the study was conducted by investigators affiliated with Snoretox, High Street Veterinary Clinic, Peninsula Vet Emergency and Referral Hospital, and RMIT University, all in Melbourne, Australia.¹ It was supported by grants from the Australian Research Council Linkage, Medical Research Future Fund Frontier Round 1, Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, and RMIT Enabling Impact Platforms funding.³

Lead author Anthony Sasse, FRACP, managing director for Snoretox and an adjunct professor at RMIT University,³ explained how the drug works during a pitch presentation at the 2025 KC Animal Health Corridor Summit in Kansas City, Missouri. “It's injected into the geniohyoid [muscle], which is at the floor of the mouth, bilaterally. It consists of 2 components. Firstly, a decoy, which attracts, absorbs, and removes the local antibodies. Then [a tiny dose of] tetanus toxin…causes increased neural tone. This acts to stabilize the anterior airway,” Sasse told the audience.^2,4

The study enrolled 6 English bulldogs between the ages of 4 and 8 years, of which 4 were female and 2 were male. Investigators found that all 6 bulldogs improved by at least 1 BOAS grade on the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS), according to the published report. Additionally, data following treatment with Snoretox-1 showed that BOAS severity grades recorded by investigators were significantly lower than those after placebo use. They found that improvements lasted 20 to 53 weeks after Snoretox-1 treatment.¹

“The period of therapeutic effect of Snoretox-1 was expected to be similar to the therapeutic and cosmetic effect durations observed in treatment with botulinum toxin, which are reported to be effective for 3 to 6 months in cosmetic applications and 6 to 9 weeks in therapeutic applications,” the investigators wrote.¹ “However, we observed significantly longer therapeutic effect in 3 of the 6 dogs treated with Snoretox-1.”

According to Snoretox, previous in vivo studies demonstrated a functional increase in local muscle tone with neutralizing antibodies present. In those studies, English bulldogs with grade 2 or 3 BOAS were treated and graded by an accredited, unblinded observer using the RFGS.¹

According to Sasse, Snoretox-1 has the potential for addressing critical unmet needs for companion animals. The company believes the product may offer future possibilities for effective treatment of certain feline and canine conditions, a variety of equine muscle disorders, and other neuromuscular conditions across animal species.^2,4

Snoretox is expected to present its published research on the drug at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Seattle, Washington, held on June 11-13, 2026. According to the company, the presentation was accepted for the forum through competitive processes, and the selection marks an important milestone for Snoretox.⁵

Additionally, the company was recognized at the 2025 KC Animal Health Summit with the Innovation Award for the therapy’s promise as an alternative to surgery for helping dogs breathe easier. Snoretox was 1 of 14 start-ups from around the world selected to pitch their products and services at the summit.²

References

1. Sasse A, Norbury LJ, McLean T, et al. Clinical observations of tetanus toxin plus decoy, Snoretox-1, a novel targeted neuromuscular stimulant, in a pilot study of 6 British bulldogs with BOAS. Vet J. Published online March 6, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2026.106636
2. Crossley KC. BOAS treatment in development is recognized with Innovation Award. dvm360. August 29, 2025. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/boas-treatment-in-development-is-recognized-with-innovation-award
3. New technology helps flat-faced dogs breathe easy. RMIT University. April 23, 2026. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2026/apr/boas-treatment
4. Sasse A. Emerging companies presentations: Snoretox. Presented at: KC Animal Health Corridor Summit; August 25-26, 2025; Kansas City, MO.
5. Snoretox to present at leading global veterinary conference in 2026. News release. Snoretox. April 21, 2026. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://snoretox.com/snoretox-to-present-at-leading-global-veterinary-conferences-in-2026/