By Trish Svoboda

Three Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members along with a partner formerly from Vanderbilt University, have patented a formula to help treat moderate to severe pain in dogs.

Butch KuKanich, professor of pharmacology, Kate KuKanich, professor of small animal internal medicine, David Rankin, professor and head of veterinary anesthesiology, and Charles Locuson, director of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics at Agios Pharmaceuticals worked on a formula combining opioid methadone and other drugs to enhance the effectiveness and duration of pain relief.

The team of researchers received notice of their patent in late 2023. According to successful clinical trials, the researchers believe this new formula could see widespread use for dogs undergoing surgical procedures.