Developing kinder cancer treatment for dogs through comparative oncology

Kyrexa is a UK-based animal health company rethinking how cancer is treated in companion animals and developing a new approach that prioritises both effectiveness and quality of life.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and current veterinary cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can come with significant side effects. Kyrexa’s mission is to deliver a kinder, more targeted cancer treatment for dogs without compromising wellbeing.

Reshaping Companion Animal Cancer Treatment

Kyrexa’s lead drug, rimcazole, works differently from traditional therapies. Rather than attacking all rapidly dividing cells, it targets a key weakness in cancer biology triggering tumour cells to shut themselves down through a natural self-destruct process (apoptosis) and largely sparing healthy tissue. This approach could significantly reduce the side effects typically associated with veterinary oncology treatments, offering a gentler alternative for pets and their owners.

Using Comparative Oncology for breakthrough Research

A major breakthrough in Kyrexa’s development has come from comparative oncology (the study of cancer across animals and humans).

By focusing on naturally occurring cancers in dogs, rather than artificial lab models, Kyrexa has gained more realistic insights into how tumours behave in real-world conditions. This has helped refine both the understanding and potential effectiveness of rimcazole.

Following successful early clinical evaluations in dogs with advanced cancers, Kyrexa has demonstrated:

• Signs of anti-tumour activity, even in late-stage disease
• Minimal side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy
• Maintained quality of life, with dogs remaining active and engaged

These results support progression to the next stage of development and highlight the potential for a new generation of cancer treatments for pets.

Implications of the solution on the Industry

Although currently focussed on animal health innovation, Kyrexa’s work has broader implications.

Comparative oncology is increasingly shaping how cancer is understood and treated across species, with insights from veterinary medicine helping to inform human healthcare.

As development progresses, Kyrexa is helping drive a future where cancer treatment for dogs is not only more effective but significantly kinder.

Support in the Surrey Innovation Ecosystem

Kyrexa is a member of SETsquared Surrey and a graduate of the vHive Animal Health Incubator, where it benefitted from a specialist programme designed to help early-stage companies bring innovative animal health solutions to market.

Through vHive, Kyrexa accessed a collaborative ecosystem focused on advancing animal health through innovation, including engagement with industry experts, academic partners, and the wider Animal Health Innovation Network. This support helped shape both its scientific development and commercial strategy.

Now a graduate of the programme, Kyrexa remains connected to the vHive community, continuing to engage with its network, insights, and industry relationships as it progresses towards market.

As a SETsquared Surrey hybrid member, Kyrexa also benefits from broader business support, including mentoring, investor readiness training, and access to a network of entrepreneurs and advisors providing ongoing support as the company achieves its regulatory targets providing opportunities for early market access.