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Kyrexa

Animal Health Angels Invest in Kyrexa

Animal Health Angels members have invested in Kyrexa, a company founded with a simple mission: to make cancer care kinder through the development of the world's first oral immunotherapy for canine cancer.

Kyrexa was co-founded by Clare Knottenbelt, a specialist vet, and Barbara Spruce, a physician scientist who recognised the potential for a drug that could target cancer while sparing normal tissues and avoiding the side effects of traditional treatments.

Rimcazole's mechanism brings together direct anti-tumour effects, anti-angiogenic activity and immune engagement in an oral small molecule, offering advantages over biologics. Early pilot data from 30 dogs with advanced cancers show clear tumour responses while maintaining a high quality of life. As the Kyrexa team puts it, these dogs weren't just living longer; they were living better.

The veterinary oncology market is growing strongly, despite many diagnosed dogs currently receiving no advanced treatment. These patients are not served by existing drugs, while many novel therapies remain costly and require specialist care pathways.

Kyrexa has a published patent application with broad claims across veterinary and human oncology and a clear pathway for US FDA conditional approval by 2030, with expansion into wider markets beyond that. MUMS designations have recently been granted in two cancer indications, marking a major regulatory milestone. The company has built a lean team spanning veterinary oncology, translational cancer biology, animal health pharmaceutical product development, regulatory strategy, clinical trial execution, manufacturing/CMC awareness, business development, commercialisation and company-building experience.

Wendy Furness, Director at Animal Health Angels, comments:

"As animal health professionals and investors, we are committed to backing innovation that meets genuine unmet clinical need. Veterinary oncology is a fast-growing area, yet many dogs diagnosed with cancer still receive no advanced treatment, and Kyrexa has the potential to change that. Clare's extensive experience in veterinary oncology, together with a strong team and a clear regulatory pathway, gave our members real confidence in this opportunity. We are delighted to support Kyrexa as it brings this therapy closer to the clinic"

Dr Clare Knottenbelt, CEO of Kyrexa Ltd, said:

"A cancer treatment that can improve a pet's comfort, happiness and time with their family is finally within reach. The Animal Health Angels understand just how transformational this will be for millions of families whose pets have cancer, and we are delighted that they will be joining us on this exciting journey"

Congratulations to the Kyrexa team. We look forward to joining them on this journey.