Animal health company, AnimalBiome, has closed a series A with $8.6 million in funding led by Cargill, and including biologic and venture capital firms, and Michelson Found Animal Foundation. The injection of funding will be used toward growth and to develop companion animal-focused microbial cocktails, according to the company.
AnimalBiome targets the gut microbiome to aid pets with digestive and skin disorders, an industry which accounts for about $14 billion in treatments, according to the company. "As leaders in companion animal microbiome research, we're seeking to get to the root of the digestive and skin problems affecting our pets," said Carlton Osborne, AnimalBiome co-founder and CEO. "Working together with Cargill, we have the unique advantage of science and industry leadership to tackle some of the pet health industry's most challenging and heart-breaking issues.”
The company was founded in 2016 by UC Berkeley and UC Davis researchers, and has focused on improving and maintaining digestive health in cats and dogs. AnimalBiome has launched a DTC microbiome testing platform for pets which provides information to both the pet’s veterinarian and pet owner. The test results are also accompanied by a report that outlines dietary and supplement changes the pet owner can make to improve the pet’s microbiome. The company also offers a proprietary suite of supplements.
"Our research shows that pets with chronic gut and skin conditions are often missing key beneficial gut bacteria, which is correlated with exposure to antimicrobials commonly used in veterinary practice, and that in many cases restoring them alleviates signs of disease," said Holly Ganz, AnimalBiome co-founder and Chief Science Officer. "This investment allows us to accelerate our discovery of key beneficial gut microbes and design the next generation of pet probiotics."
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