Vetlen launches 5mL pouch for targeted antibiotic therapy in animals

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A smaller version of the Vetlen Pouch, an antibiotic delivery system designed to administer antibiotics directly to wounds in animal patients, was recently introduced by Vetlen, the company behind the product’s development. The new version is a 5 mL size, which offers an alternative to the original 10 mL version.

“We are excited to offer an alternative to the current options available for local antibiotic therapy in veterinary medicine,” Stephanie Morley, DVM, president of Vetlen, said in a company release.¹ “Traditional methods, such as antibiotic powders or antibiotic-loaded beads, are often ineffective long before full healing has been achieved. While systemic therapies like oral or injectable antibiotics are an option, they don’t always deliver the necessary concentration at the site of infection, particularly when dealing with biofilm-related infections.”

Intended for implantation in surgical or wound sites, the Vetlen Pouch provides localized, high-dose antibiotics over an extended period with a syringe-based replenishing system.^1,2 The pouch also includes a rate-controlled membrane for diffusing antibiotics gradually and consistently.

According to Vetlen, treatment is customizable, with veterinarians having the ability to adjust the antibiotic medication being administered according to individual patient needs. The pouch can be easily removed once the treatment is complete, similar to a surgical drain.¹

Suitable for a range of non-food animal patients, the device can deliver continuous medication for up to 30 days. According to Vetlen, the pouch was originally designed for antibiotic delivery. Still, other small-molecule medications, such as those approved for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, can be administered with the Vetlen Pouch. However, these medications must be less than 2,000 g/mol and water-soluble.¹

“The Vetlen Pouch...provides a unique solution by delivering the right antibiotic directly to the site of infection for an extended period, ensuring optimal drug levels. This localized delivery promotes faster healing by allowing patients to focus their energy on tissue repair, rather than fighting an infection,” said Morley in the release.¹

The 10 mL Vetlen Pouch was released in November 2024, during which more than 500 veterinarians received the original-sized pouch. According to Morley, the decision to develop a smaller-sized Vetlen Pouch was driven by feedback from small animal general practitioners and equine veterinarians. “The feedback we received from veterinarians following the launch of the 10 mL Vetlen Pouch was overwhelmingly positive,” she said.¹ “Through extensive voice of customer research, we learned that small animal general practitioners and equine veterinarians, especially for distal limbs, were seeking a smaller pouch that could be used for a broader range of cases. In response to this need, we’re pleased to introduce the 5 mL Vetlen Pouch.”

According to Vetlen, there are plans to expand Vetlen Pouch’s technology into human medicine. Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized the antibiotic delivery system as a breakthrough technology for its potential to treat open fracture-related infections that are complicated by biofilms.²

“We believe our breakthrough local antibiotic delivery technology will dramatically improve wound healing in veterinary medicine,” said Morley in an earlier news release.²

References

1. Vetlen announces the launch of the 5 mL Vetlen Pouch: A revolutionary local antibiotic delivery service. News release. Vetlen. March 12, 2025.
2. Bautista-Alejandre A. New device delivers antibiotics directly to wounds in dogs and horses. dvm360. October 29, 2024. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-device-delivers-antibiotics-directly-to-wounds-in-dogs-and-horses