New canine supplement is designed to improve muscle health

Image courtesy of Virbac

A supplement that targets mRNA expression in skeletal muscle has been developed through a collaboration between Virbac and biotechnology company Emmyon, for use in treating muscle atrophy. According to Virbac, Ursolyx Soft Chews is a first-in-its-class product that uses ursolic acid— a natural compound—to provide muscle support. The product is expected to be launched at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) presented by the North American Veterinary Community, January 25-29, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.¹

Skeletal muscle atrophy affects a dog’s quality of life by impairing activity, strength, endurance, and overall health. A highly prevalent canine condition, skeletal muscle atrophy can be caused by a variety of factors that include advanced age, malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, cancer, congestive heart failure, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, osteoarthritis, critical illness, and joint injuries.²

The supplement is designed to enhance muscle function and strength for dogs that are aging, active or undergoing muscle recovery, according to a news release. It also offers a new treatment solution for veterinarians, and allows pet owners the possibility of more active years with their dogs.¹

Giovanni Abruzzini, president and CEO of Virbac US, noted that although many older dogs are experiencing muscle atrophy, joints have traditionally received the veterinary industry’s focus when it comes to mobility. “Of course, the joint is a critical part. But if you also think about the aging process, the muscles are probably even more important than the joints, because the skeletal muscles bring everything together,” Abruzzini said in an interview with dvm360.

Studies have shown that ursolic inhibits mRNA expression changes associated with muscle atrophy, which helps improve exercise performance and functional muscle health in dogs. These studies include a placebo-controlled investigation on senior dogs with sarcopenia. Additional study results have found significant improvement in skeletal muscle mRNA biomarkers, which signal improved muscle health; enhanced exercise performance including agility and with participation; safety, and high palatability, which helps ensure adherence.^1,2

According to Virbac, the soft chews are bacon flavored and administered once daily. They are available in dosages that accommodate small, medium and large canines.¹

"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," Abruzzini said in the release.¹

Veterinary professionals attending VMX can learn more about the science behind Ursolyx Soft Chews in a continuing education session sponsored by Virbac. The session—“Muscle Matters: Revolutionizing Canine Mobility with Ursolic Acid”—will be presented at 2:45 PM to 3:35 PM at the Orange County Convention Center by Christopher Adams, president and CEO of Emmyon Inc., and Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR. director of rehabilitation at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York, New York.³

“[Adams and Alvarez], together, are going to deliver a very interesting and engaging conversation. [It is an] opportunity for everyone to get to know, not only the science behind but also the results and the use of the product,” Abruzzini said in the interview.

References

1. Virbac introduces URSOLYX Soft Chews: innovation in canine muscle health. News release. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virbac-introduces-ursolyx-soft-chews-innovation-in-canine-muscle-health-302344758.html
2. Ebert SM, Nicolas CS, Schreiber P, et al. Ursolic acid induces beneficial changes in skeletal muscle mRNA expression and increases exercise participation and performance in dogs with age-related muscle atrophy. Animals (Basel). 2024;14(2):186. doi:10.3390/ani14020186
3. Muscle Matters: Revolutionizing Canine Mobility with Ursolic Acid. North American Veterinary Community. Accessed January 20, 2025. https://connect.navc.com/widget/event/vmx-2025-2/planning/UGxhbm5pbmdfMjQ3MjI5MQ==