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Brakke Consulting’s
Animal Health News & Notes for February 12, 2021
Copyright © Brakke Consulting
Editor: Lynn Fondon DVM MBA
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IN THE NEWS:
Brakke Consulting News
2021 Industry Overview – register now
Earnings News
MWI
Orion Animal Health
Spectrum Brands Holdings
Trupanion
Other News
Akston Biosciences
Arthrex Vet Systems
Canopy Animal Health
Dalan Animal Health
Dechra (Akston)
Dechra (Tri-Solfen)
Elanco
FUJIFILM
GNT Pharma
IntelGenx
IVC Evidensia
Kemin Industries
Medical Ethics
Nestlé
PetWellClinic
Phibro Animal Health
Silver Lake
Tractor Supply
Vetoquinol
VetSuccess
Zomedica
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BRAKKE CONSULTING
ANNOUNCING THE 2021 BRAKKE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
PRESENTED VIRTUALLY ON FEBRUARY 23, 2021
REGISTER TODAY!
New research on how veterinarians have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and their plans for the post-pandemic world will be an important feature of the annual Brakke Consulting Industry Overview, to be presented in a 90-minute webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 23 beginning at 11 am EST.
The new research examines the role of such things as curbside appointments and telemedicine, and how veterinarians plan to deploy them post-pandemic. We also look at the impact of COVID-19 on the veterinary staff during this trying year, as well as make our predictions on what’s ahead for the industry in 2021. There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience.
In addition to the new research findings, the Overview will cover:
- Top animal health company revenues, growth, and new product performance
- A special analysis of changes in ecommerce and pet medication sales
- Status of veterinary practice consolidation
- Data on pet adoptions and pet population during the pandemic
- New perspectives on the evolution of veterinary distribution
- African Swine Fever, pandemic-driven packing plant closures and the future of technology on the farm animal market
The Brakke Industry Overview is an information-packed presentation geared to the interests of executive leadership, sales and marketing managers, financial executives and others involved in the industry. The cost of attending the online Overview this year is reduced to $199. To register, click here. Or, you can call Amanda McDavid, (336) 396-3916. We look forward to having you join us.
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COMPANY EARNINGS RELEASES
- AmerisourceBergen reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 ended December 31. MWI Animal Health sales reached $1.12 billion, an increase of 9% over the prior-year quarter. (IHS Markit Connect)
- Orion Animal Health reported results for the full year 2020. Turnover increased 4% to EUR 89.3 million ($110 million). (IHS Markit Connect)
- Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. reported results from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 ended January 3, 2021. Net sales for the Global Pet Care segment were $275.5 million, an increase of 34% over the prior-year quarter. Excluding favorable foreign exchange impacts of $4.3 million and acquisition sales of $20.3 million, organic net sales grew 22%. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $53.6 million compared to $31.5 million in the prior-year quarter. (company website)
- Trupanion, Inc. announced financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2020. Total revenue was $502 million, an increase of 31% compared to 2019. Net loss was $(5.8) million, compared to a net loss of $(1.8) million in 2019. Total enrolled pets was 862,928 at December 31, 2020, an increase of 33% over 2019. (company press release)
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COMPANY NEWS RELEASES
- Akston Biosciences announced it has signed licensing, development and supply agreements with Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC for the commercialization of AKS-425c, a once-a-week insulin therapy for the treatment of diabetes in cats. The companies expect development to be completed within five years. In 2019, the two companies signed a licensing and supply agreement for AKS-321d, a once-a-week insulin therapy for dogs. (Business Wire)
- Phibro Animal Health announced it has added a drug candidate for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis to its R&D pipeline. The early-stage compound was licensed from an undisclosed partner. (IHS Markit Connect)
- Arthrex Vet Systems announced the launch of 2.0 and 2.4 mm TPLO Locking Plate System. The titanium implants better match small breed bone stiffness; and feature shape, contour and special considerations for small breeds weighing 3-12 kg. (company press release)
- Zomedica announced that it has entered into an underwriting agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC under which the underwriter has agreed to purchase on a firm commitment basis 13,157,895 common shares of Zomedica, at a price to the public of $1.90 per share. Zomedica also has granted to the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to 1,973,684 additional common shares at the public offering price. The gross proceeds are expected to be approximately $25.0 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Zomedica. (GlobeNewswire)
- Canopy Animal Health announced the launch of a new line of science-backed CBD products for dogs under the brand name SurityPro. The new dog CBD products, which are formulated to deliver the highest amount of CBD per body weight available, include five formulas with different intended benefits. (PRnewswire)
- Kemin Industries announced the launch of KemTRACE Chromium-OR, a highly bioavailable and organic-compliant source of chromium propionate for use in cattle, pig, broiler and horse diets. (IHS Markit Connect)
- FUJIFILM Medical SystemsS.A., Inc., introduced its first complete VXR Veterinary X-Ray Room. The X-Ray Room is designed to contribute to a safe work environment for both clinicians and patients with low-dose, high sensitivity DR detectors and advanced image processing technologies. (Dotmed.com)
- Dalan Animal Health, a pioneer in insect vaccination, announced the issuance of a Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent Application 15/747,252 “Edible Vaccination Against Microbial Pathogens.” The patent application covers preventing American Foulbrood disease in honeybees by orally administering a vaccine to the queen bee. (PRnewswire)
- IntelGenx announced that it has filed a new provisional patent application at the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled “High Loading Oral Film Formulation.” The patent application covers the incorporation of high concentrations of active ingredients in products based on IntelGenx’s VetaFilm proprietary veterinary oral film technology. (GlobeNewswire)
- PetWellClinic walk-in veterinary clinics announced agreements that will put 12 clinics into the development pipeline across the state of Colorado, primarily in the Denver Metro area. PetWellClinic has sold 71 franchises since August of 2020. (Franchising.com)
- The AVMA and VetSuccess have partnered to expand the scope and reach of their economic data and reports, with VetSuccess’ Veterinary Industry Tracker now available on the AVMA’s website. The AVMA will also begin publishing a new monthly newsletter, “AVMA Practice Pulse,” with benchmarks and metrics made available to the AVMA by VetSuccess. (association press release)
- Tractor Supply announced it is now offering pet prescription services online starting this quarter. In addition, pet owners can now get professional veterinary advice on demand in the Tractor Supply app. (retaildive.com)
- CANADA Vetoquinol announced it has acquired the Profender product family, the intellectual property, registrations and other rights from Elanco Animal Health for the Canadian market. Vetoquinol previously acquired the Profender and Drontal product families in the EU and the UK in relation to Elanco’s 2020 acquisition of Bayer AG’s animal health business; and in January 2021, Vetoquinol also acquired the Profender and Drontal product families in Australia. Financial terms were not disclosed. (Yahoo finance)
- AUSTRALIA Dechra Pharmaceuticals announced it has secured the rights to market Tri-Solfen in Australia and New Zealand, and has acquired a further 1.5% stake in Medical Ethics Pty Ltd for A$32.5 million (US$30 million). Tri-Solfen is already registered for sheep and cattle and is sold in Australia and New Zealand with current annual sales of $A9.1 million (US$7 million). (Morningstar.co.uk)
- KOREA GNT Pharma announced the Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) has approved the New Drug Application for GedaCure, a chewable tablet of crisdesalazine, for the treatment of dogs with symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). According to the company, GedaCure is the world’s first multi-target neuroprotection drug for canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. GNT Pharma plans to launch GedaCure in South Korea, and then to pursue approval internationally. (Argus-press.com)
- EU IVC Evidensia, Europe’s largest veterinary care provider has completed a EUR 3.5 billion ($4.3 billion) private funding round. The latest investment values IVC Evidensia, which is owned by EQT, a private equity firm, at about EUR 12.3 billion ($15 billion). Silver Lake, an American private equity investor, is making a “substantial minority investment” and Nestlé, which became another minority investor and strategic partner with IVC in 2019, is increasing its stake. (TheTimes.co.uk)
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ANIMAL HEALTH STOCK PRICE TRACKER
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ANIMAL HEALTH NEWS
- US – PET ASSOCIATION The Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retail Association (IndiePet) announced its official formation as a nonprofit trade organization for independent pet retailers. IndiePet’s mission statement is to empower independent and neighborhood pet retailers to work together as peers for the well-being of North American pets and pet owners as they maintain a strong, sustainable and growing place at the heart of the pet industry. The group is open to pet retailers, manufacturers, distributors and industry organizations. (Pet Product News)
- US – CLINICAL TRIALS The FDA announced a website listing clinical field studies that are investigating Animal Cells, Tissues, and Cell- and Tissue-Based Products (ACTPs) in veterinary patients. The webpage provides animal owners, veterinarians, researchers and the public with information on clinical field studies that are being investigated for the use of ACTPs in veterinary patients. (FDA)
- US – TELEHEALTH The Veterinary Virtual Care Association announced the launch of a telehealth platform for veterinary professionals wanting to connect and learn about telehealth. The new VVCA membership, which includes access to the VVCA Community built on Mighty Networks, will provide member-only engagement, peer-to-peer conversations, deeper learning, exclusive interviews and networking groups. (PRweb)
- US – TELEHEALTH The AVMA has released a new telehealth guide to serve the entire veterinary profession. “Guidelines for the Use of Telehealth in Veterinary Practice” addresses telehealth through the lens of “connected care,” defined as the integration of digital technologies to enhance and support the VCPR and facilitate proactive and ongoing care through improved communication, diagnosis and monitoring. (Vet Advantage)
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BRAKKE CONSULTING VIEWPOINT
Our animal health industry is clearly robust as measured by sales growth in 2020, but faces a challenge in 2021 that all of us are dealing with: pandemic fatigue.
A McKinsey article entitled ‘Overcoming pandemic fatigue: How to reenergize organizations for the long run’ many helpful insights and recommendations. It’s a good read for leaders and those who want to be properly led.
Recently, I have heard from various clients who have mentioned that ”…days now turn into endless Zoom meetings” and can start early in morning and finish late at night. And it is day in and day out. One of the leading AH companies recently held a ‘virtual’ national sales meeting via video – requires a lot of energy to stay on a screen for that long.
One of the recommendations in the McKinsey article to reenergize organizations is to “Administer the antidote to disillusionment: Bounded Optimism. We might be disillusioned by endless Zoom meetings, or not being able to see our customers, but we have a great story in the animal health industry, with our partners in animal protein production and pet health care professionals. We keep food on the table and our pets happy and healthy as many of them for the first time got walked or played with EVERY day! And despite the pandemic, our industry grew last year.
Let’s share our story!
Paul Casady
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YOUR VIEW
In last week’s polling question, we asked you to rank order the companies in terms of your expectations for 2021 sales growth rates. To no surprise, 56% of respondents ranked Chewy as most likely to continue its string of delivering the strongest sales growth in the industry. The overall weighted average rankings yielded Amazon’s Pet business at #2, BarkBox #3, Walmart’s Pet business #4, Petco #5, PetMed Express #6, Fresh Pet #7 and PetSmart #8. It appears respondents expect the two heavyweight online merchandisers with broad product lines including pet food, medicines and supplies to grow the fastest.
This week
This week, we’d like to hear more about your thoughts on why pet owners (probably like you) are buying pet products online. We have heard many reasons why this happens, so let’s see which ones you think are the most important by answering this question.
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