France-based global animal health provider Virbac, whose North American headquarters is in Westlake, has collaborated with biotech company Emmyon to introduce URSOLYX Soft Chews, a first-in-its-class muscle support product for dogs that features ursolic acid, which targets mRNA expression in skeletal muscle.

Emmyon focuses on skeletal muscle biology, metabolism, and small molecule discovery. It specializes in identifying compounds that support muscle health and is committed to partnering with industry leaders to commercialize groundbreaking health solutions.

“At Virbac, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of animal health,” Giovanni Abruzzini, president and CEO of Virbac US, said in a statement. “URSOLYX Soft Chews redefine what’s possible for canine mobility, empowering veterinarians to address muscle health proactively to help their patients’ health span keep pace with their lifespan.”

Virbac said that URSOLYX Soft Chews harness the proven benefits of this compound to enhance muscle function and strength in aging, active, or recovering dogs. It said that for veterinarians, URSOLYX represents a major advancement in muscle health and recovery by offering an innovative solution for canine patients. For pet owners, URSOLYX opens the door to more active, joyful years with their beloved companions, Virbac said.

The company said that muscle atrophy affects more than half of dogs aged 7 and older, contributing to reduced mobility and diminished quality of life. It said that unlike conventional joint supplements, URSOLYX Soft Chews focus specifically on muscle health and feature ursolic acid, a natural compound derived from sage.

[Photo: Virbac]

Benefits of URSOLYX

Virbac said that ursolic acid is supported by robust research, including a placebo-controlled study on senior dogs with sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), and has been shown to inhibit mRNA expression changes associated with muscle atrophy, improving both exercise performance and functional muscle health in dogs.

Virbac said that key findings from a recent scientific study include:

• Significant improvement in skeletal muscle mRNA biomarkers, signaling improved muscle health
• Enhanced exercise performance, including better participation and agility
• Proven safety and high palatability, ensuring compliance for canine patients of all sizes

Virbac said that URSOLYX Soft Chews feature a patented bioenhanced formula that ensures optimal absorption and efficacy. It said that with a bacon flavor dogs love, the once-daily chew makes administration simple and stress free.

URSOLYX Soft Chews will officially launch at the 2025 Veterinary Meeting and Expo, Jan. 25-29, in Orlando, Florida, and later at the Viticus Group WVC annual conference, March 2-5 in Las Vegas.

Virbac provides innovative solutions to veterinarians, farmers, and animal owners in more than 100 countries around the world. It covers more than 50 species.

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