FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vetirus Pharmaceuticals Partners with Immune Propulsion to Develop IPVM-173, a Novel IgG-Degrading Protease for Treating Large Mass Tumors in Cats and Dogs
Naples, FL and London, UK – April 16, 2026 – Vetirus Pharmaceuticals, a leader in innovative veterinary biopharmaceuticals, today announced a strategic partnership with Immune Propulsion, LLC to develop and commercialize IPVM-173, a proprietary IgG-
degrading protease being developed by its subsidiary ImmuneProVM, designed to treat large mass tumors in companion animals.
The therapy leverages decades of research exploiting a powerful immune amplification mechanism. By cleaving the hinge region of IgG antibodies, IPVM-173 redirects a natural bacterial strategy to paradoxically enhance the host’s own anti-tumor immune response. Preclinical data demonstrate that IdeS-family enzymes can significantly boost the potency of monoclonal antibodies in oncology models, while naturally occurring anti-hinge antibodies in healthy subjects support effective tumor cell killing. IPVM-173 brings this platform to veterinary oncology as a simple, low-capital intervention with no anticipated increase in side effects.
“IPVM-173 has the potential to improve outcomes by amplifying the animal’s own immune defenses—without adding side effects,” said Bob Jordan, PhD, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Immune Propulsion. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Vetirus to deliver this innovation to pet owners and veterinary oncologists worldwide. Our collaboration with Vetirus will also allow us to demonstrate proof of concept in the clinic as Immune Propulsion advances this unique therapy toward human applications."
“Partnering with Vetirus allows us to rapidly translate our immunotherapy discoveries into meaningful veterinary applications,” added Mark Nedelman, Director of Immune Propulsion. “Large mass tumors in cats and dogs represent a significant unmet need, where current treatments are often invasive, costly, or ineffective.”
”Robert N. Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of Vetirus Pharmaceuticals, added “This collaboration marks an important step forward in veterinary oncology. By adapting this unique IgG-degrading technology, we can offer pets with large tumors a targeted treatment that works with the body’s natural defenses. We are proud to expand our pipeline with IPVM-173, delivering novel solutions that will improve quality of life for cats and dogs while equipping veterinarians with a powerful new tool.”
Under the agreement, Vetirus Pharmaceuticals will lead development, regulatory advancement, and commercialization of IPVM-173 exclusively for veterinary use. Immune Propulsion will continue advancing the platform for human medicine. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Initial studies are expected to begin immediately, with the goal of bringing the therapy to veterinary practices in the near term.
About Vetirus Pharmaceuticals
Vetirus Pharmaceuticals is a multinational veterinary-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for companion animal health. With a strong emphasis on oncology, immunology, and regenerative medicine, Vetirus delivers high-impact solutions that improve quality of life for pets and provide new tools for
veterinarians. For more information, visit vetirus.com or contact contact@vetirus.com.
About Immune Propulsion, LLC
Immune Propulsion is a biotechnology innovator focused on unlocking the century-old mystery of spontaneous tumor remission associated with Streptococcus pyogenes infection. Using advances in molecular biology and immunology, the company has
developed patented technology that enhances immunotherapy efficacy—across oncology and beyond—by leveraging an IgG-degrading protease to amplify endogenous anti-tumor immunity with no added side effects. For more information, visit
www.immunepropulsion.com or contact info@immunepropulsion.com.
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