New Supplement Addresses Muscle Atrophy in Dogs

Watching patients suffer from any form of degenerative myelopathy or muscle loss is heartbreaking, regardless of its commonality. While researchers continue to work toward finding therapies that halt disease progression and improve quality of life, a new dietary supplement has entered the market to support canine muscle health.

Earlier this month, Myos Rens Technology Inc. announced the launch of its first veterinary health supplement: MYOS Canine Muscle Formula. Historically, the company has focused its research and products on improving muscle health in humans and is best known for its proprietary formula, Fortetropin. The product is a bioactive composition derived from fertilized egg yolk that helps build lean muscle, and it serves as the active ingredient in the new supplement.

“We view the veterinary supplement market as an untapped growth opportunity for the company,” Joseph Mannello, CEO of Myos Rens Technology, said. “To the best of our knowledge, there is no pet health supplement product that addresses muscle atrophy.”

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The company has conducted a number of human clinical trials to test the efficacy of Fortetropin and has found it to be the only safe, natural myostatin-reducing agent available with a clinically demonstrated positive effect on both muscle thickness and lean body mass when compared with placebo.

“Over the last year, Fortetropin consumers reached out to tell us about their personal experiences using our products and their observations of their dogs who consumed Fortetropin, Mannello explained. “We then took it a step further and tested Fortetropin products with veterinarians, who reported that older dogs engaged in more physical activity after consuming Fortetropin and resumed certain activities that were thought to have stopped because of age.”

That initial feedback from veterinarians and pet owners led Myos Rens Technology to undertake a clinical study at Kansas State University to determine whether daily supplementation with Fortetropin is effective in reducing muscle atrophy in dogs that undergo a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. According to Mannello, the results will be announced by the end of the year.

With the launch of MYOS Canine Muscle Formula, Myos Rens Technology joins the $580 million veterinary supplements market. The company plans to distribute the product through established veterinary practices throughout the country, offering customers a home delivery autoship option. The supplement is available for dogs of all sizes and comes as a powder that can be mixed into a dog’s regular meals. A single canister provides approximately 60 servings, which equates to a 2-month supply of product for a medium-sized dog.

“The feedback we have received from veterinarians and pet owners has been overwhelmingly positive. Given that lean muscle mass is inversely associated with mortality from all causes in humans, we believe veterinarians, as well as consumers, will appreciate the muscle-enhancing benefits of adding Fortetropin to their dog's diet,” Mannello said.