NMS Tests Kit to Screen for Cat Disease

Animal Biotech Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of NMS Pharmaceuticals Inc., said it has begun final clinical trials for a home screening kit for feline leukemia, a highly contagious, fatal disease in cats.

The testing kit detects the retrovirus that causes lymphosarcoma, an incurable feline blood disorder, said NMS Pharmaceuticals spokeswoman Jennifer A. Burns. About 10% of the cat population is afflicted with the disease. By detecting the retrovirus, pet owners and cat kennels can separate an infected animal from other cats as early as possible.

Pet owners, using the home test kits, can detect the retrovirus by screening cat tears or saliva, Burns said. Veterinarians can also screen the cat’s blood to confirm test results.

Burns said NMS estimates that there is a $4-million annual market for the kits, which would be purchased by veterinarians for resale to their clients.

The kit was developed about eight months ago and clinical trials are expected to be completed by April, Burns said. Early results have been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which could license the home kit by late April, Burns said.

NMS Pharmaceuticals, based in Newport Beach, manufactures diagnostic test kits.