The biotech group from Pontevedra, Spain, Zendal brings together different companies specialized in human and animal health, and follows the One Health global strategy, a concept that defends the interrelation between the health of people, animals and the environment. In this context, one of its subsidiaries is Petia Vet Health, born in 2017 with the aim of offering innovative alternatives to pet care professionals. As specialists in animal health, they develop and market high-quality veterinary services and products for optimal results and the least invasive processes possible. 

Among their range of products, they have nutritional supplements for dogs and cats that can complete their daily diet and support their immune system, as well as other specific products for the care of their hygiene. They also have a specific line for veterinary professionals, such as surgical instruments and material, specialized equipment for clinics and rapid diagnostic tests for dogs and cats.

This is a booming field with great growth prospects. There are more and more pets in Spanish households and, as a result, the professional sector related to pets continues to strengthen. In the veterinary field alone, in 2023 the economic activity generated 2,300 million euros, with 10,636 companies and 6,700 clinics.

The first vaccine against leishmaniasis

Recently, the company has achieved a milestone in animal vaccinology, placing Galician biotechnology at the forefront with the market launch of Neoleish, the first vaccine in the world aimed at combating one of the most devastating and deadly infections in dogs: leishmaniasis.

The vaccine developed by the Zendal group together with a team from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) reduces by 90% the presence of the parasite in dogs, which are its main carriers and the main reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis. The vaccine specifically activates the cellular defense pathway in infected animals and reduces the presence of the parasite inside the cells of vaccinated dogs. In addition, it allows active immunization of leishmania-negative dogs from 6 months of age to reduce the risk of developing active infection and/or clinical disease after exposure to leishmania infantum.

It is an innovative and efficient technology that also opens the way for its application in other infections, both human and animal.