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January 7, 2020

With board creation, Portland biotech startup takes the next step in growth

A Portland biotech startup with an unusual line of products for pets has taken a step forward in the company’s development with the creation of a 15-member scientific advisory board.

ElleVet Sciences has named prominent veterinary clinicians, researchers and industry experts to the new group, which will oversee scientific development of ElleVet’s cannabis-based therapeutic products, according to a news release Monday.

"It's an honor to co-chair this groundbreaking advisory board with some of the leading veterinarians of our generation," said Joseph Wakshlag, professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and ElleVet’s chief medical officer. "With so many great minds in the room, it is fantastic to be able to share the science behind the product, which has already fostered great discussions with the group."

Another member of the board, Michael Petty, commented: “It is a pleasure to join the ElleVet advisory board. Their unique cannabinoid products seem to have significant potential in managing discomfort in pets and impacting other modalities, a true original in the industry.”

Petty is a veterinarian and researcher who has served as lead investigator in 12 U.S. Food and Drug Administration studies of pain management products.

ElleVet was formed in 2017 by Amanda Howland and Christian Kjaer. The company’s products currently include chews and oils that treat arthritis in dogs, using cannabinoids derived from hemp, a form of cannabis.

The formation of a scientific advisory board is a typical step for maturing companies in the biotechnology industry. The creation of the ElleVet board follows the appointment of Wakshlag as chief medical officer in August.

The ElleVet board comprises the following members.

  • Dr. Leilani Alvarez DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CCRT, CVCHM, Director of Integrative and Rehabilitation Medicine at Animal Medical Center in New York City
  • Stephen Cital RVT, SRA, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Res. Anesthesia), Director of Education and Development at ElleVet Sciences
  • Dr. Guillermo Cuoto DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine and Oncology), Private Internal Medicine Consulting Practice 
  • Dr. Sue Ettinger DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), "Dr. Sue Cancer Vet" and Medical Oncology Specialist
  • Dr. Stephanie Kube DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), Private Neurology Practice Owner 
  • Dr. Justine Lee DVM, DACVECC, DABT, CEO of VETgirl
  • Dr. Kristen Messenger DVM, PhD, DACVAA, DACVCP, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at North Carolina State University
  • Dr. Fred Metzger DVM, MRCVS, DABVP, Private Practice Owner
  • Dr. Michael Petty DVM, CVPP, CVMA, CAAPM, Private Practice Owner and Certified Pain Practitioner
  • Dr. Andrew Rosenberg DVM, DACVD, Private Practice Owner and Dermatology Specialist 
  • Dr. Wayne Schwark DVM, MS, PhD Pharmacology, Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Cornell University
  • Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw DVM, MS, PhD, CCRT, DACVS, DAVCMR, Founder of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education and Private Practice Owner
  • Dr. Dave Tittle BVetMed CertVA (WVA&CPM) MRCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Anesthesia, Chronic Pain Practice Owner 
  • Dr. Joseph Wakshlag DVM, PhD, DACVN, DACVSMR, Cornell University Professor, Sports Medicine & Nutrition and ElleVet Chief Medical Officer
  • Dr. Michael Williams PhD, ElleVet Chairman of the Board

Editor's Note: This article has been edited to include the correct names of ElleVet's two founders.

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