Paws and profits: Pet biotechnology company appoints 2 veterinarians to its leadership team, and more

This summer, a veterinary hospital and pet resort network in North America announced a new member of its board of directors. Meanwhile, a pet biotechnology company has added two new veterinarians to its leadership team, where they will direct US Department of Agriculture-regulated biologics, and more.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Brian McKeon, MBA, board directors, National Veterinary Associates

Brian McKeon, MBA, board directors, National Veterinary Associates. (Image courtesy of National Veterinary Associates)

Last month, McKeon was appointed to the board of directors of National Veterinary Associates (NVA). In his most recent role, McKeon served as the executive vice president and special advisor for IDEXX Laboratories. Before that, McKeon was a chief financial officer and treasurer for IDEXX for more than a decade. From 2003 to 2013, McKeon served on IDEXX’s board of directors. Other positions McKeon has held include executive vice president and chief financial officer at Iron Mountain Incorporated and at Timberland Company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brian to our Board of Directors,” Ken Burdick, executive chairman of NVA, said in a company news release.¹ “His extensive experience in finance and strategic planning, along with his proven leadership in the veterinary and diagnostics industries will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate in the veterinary care sector.”

Antonella Borgatti, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), DECVIM-CA, director of clinical development, Biologics, Akston

Antonella Borgatti, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), DECVIM-CA, director of clinical development, Biologics, Akston. (Image courtey of Akston)

Earlier this summer, Borgatti was appointed director of clinical development of USDA-regulated biologics at Akston. In her new position, Borgatti oversees study design and execution and ensures regulatory compliance for therapies for pets, including those targeting cancer, chronic pain, dermatitis, and obesity.²

With more than 17 years of experience, most recently, Borgatti was the professor of veterinary oncology, head of oncology clinical research, and director of the clinical investigation center at the University of Minnesota. At the University of Minnesota, Borgatti also directed the Medical Oncology Residency Program. Her clinical experience includes time at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas in Cary, North Carolina, and Carolina Veterinary Specialists.²

Kristina Kalevas Camp, DVM, PhD, director of regulatory affairs, Biologics, Akston

Kristina Kalevas Camp, DVM, PhD, director of regulatory affairs, Biologics, Akston. (Image courtesy of Akston)

Appointed alongside Borgatti, Camp is directing regulatory strategy for USDA-regulated biologics, managing submissions to the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics, and ensuring compliance across internal teams and external partners at Akston. In her most recent role, Camp was the senior associate director of regulatory affairs, biologicals for US and primary markets at Boehringer Ingelheim. Prior to that, she was an associate veterinarian at Hayes Barton Animal Hospital in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas in Cary, North Carolina.

"At Akston, we are reimagining what is possible in pet health — bringing forward biologics that last longer, work better, and are easier to deliver," Todd Zion, PhD, co-founder and chief executive officer of Akston, said in a news release.² "Dr Borgatti and Dr Camp bring the right combination of veterinary knowledge, deep scientific expertise, and regulatory leadership needed to accelerate that vision. Their impact will be felt across our entire pipeline - from pioneering cancer therapies to new solutions for chronic pain, dermatitis, and obesity, ensuring we deliver innovation that truly changes the standard of care for pets everywhere."

References

1. National Veterinary Associates Welcomes Brian McKeon to Board of Directors. News release. National Veterinary Associates. August 18, 2025. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.nva.com/newsroom/mckeon-brings-public-company-financial-expertise-and-proven-leadership-in
2. Akston Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of Two Veterinarians to Advance First-in-Class Biologics for Pets. News release. Akston. August 19, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akston-expands-leadership-team-with-appointment-of-two-veterinarians-to-advance-first-in-class-biologics-for-pets-302532937.html