Drs. Yunjeong Kim, left, and Kyeong-Ok "KC" Chang, both virologists in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine who have developed broad-spectrum protease inhibitors that have been selected as the preclinical lead compound for further development by Cocrystal Pharma.

Cocrystal Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, recently announced that a series of broad-spectrum protease inhibitors developed at K-State and licensed through K-State Innovation Partners in April 2020 has been selected as a preclinical lead compound for further development.

The licensed protease inhibitors were developed by Drs. Kyeong-Ok "KC" Chang and Yunjeong Kim, virologists in the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with William Groutas at Wichita State University and Stanley Perlman at the University of Iowa.

"The current FDA-approved drugs for COVID-19 have different mechanisms of action," Dr. Kim said. "Further studies are required to reveal the therapeutic potency of our protease inhibitor compared to other approved drugs. Drugs targeting different virus proteins are often combined to maximize their efficacy, so it is always nice to have a repertoire of drugs that work in different ways."

Preclinical animal studies of these K-State coronavirus compounds published in the prestigious medical journal Science Translational Medicine showed in vivo efficacy against Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome, or MERS, a related deadly human coronavirus infection, in a mouse model. Further testing allowed Cocrystal to identify this promising candidate for preclinical lead development for COVID-19. According to the company, there is significant potential for delivering this compound either for injection or inhalation and for potential use as both a therapeutic and prophylactic, protecting uninfected individuals who may become exposed.

“Choosing a preclinical candidate is a very significant milestone decision,” Dr. Chang said.

With the selection of this candidate, the company will initiate studies to evaluate potential toxicity risks and conduct safety pharmacology studies before the phase 1 clinical trial.

"It is very exciting to see the basic research from Drs. Chang and Kim and their colleagues translated into drug development to fight COVID-19," said Beth Montelone, K-State interim vice president for research.

This is one of several new technologies that K-State has licensed to corporate partners to combat the disease. Additionally, more than $7.7 million in contracts for COVID-19 research at K-State have been secured.

"Long before COVID-19 came along, we worked collaboratively on protease inhibitors for important human and animal viruses, such as MERS, human norovirus and feline infectious peritonitis, a deadly feline coronavirus infection — some of which are also under commercial development," Dr. Kim said. "So, we think that our research, along with other high-impact COVID-19-related research currently going on at Kansas State University by many different laboratories, shows our strengths as a research institution."

This newly created role is a division of duties that, in the past, was fully held by the ACVIM’s Professional Liaison. The role involves participation with the organization’s Board, as well as collaboration with the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) and Veterinary Specialty Organizations Committee (VSOC).

As the Certification Liaison, Dr. Wouda will work closely with the ACVIM staff and other volunteer leaders to facilitate and encourage activities associated with the certification process. She will contribute her subject matter expertise and knowledge as a recent graduate of an ACVIM residency program to the creation, maintenance, execution, and communication of sound certification policy. Additionally, Dr. Wouda will provide leadership as the ACVIM moves toward a re-imagined organizational model that provides clear autonomy for certification-related decisions.

Dr. Wouda’s wide-ranging experience as a volunteer for the ACVIM, along with her ongoing responsibilities in overseeing current ACVIM candidates, uniquely qualifies her to understand the importance of this role. Her passion for the values and highly regarded reputation of the ACVIM are central to her desire to serve in this position.

In accepting the role, Dr. Wouda stated, “The ACVIM is fundamental to the promotion of the veterinary profession and best practice specialized veterinary care for our patients and their families. I am looking forward immensely to continuing to contribute to the ACVIM at an administrative level. This new role is a wonderful opportunity not only to help guide the redesign of ACVIM governance, but to play a daily part in encouraging, supporting and inspiring our candidates.”

Dr. Wouda is currently an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where her position spans clinical, research and teaching responsibilities. She has also been extensively involved in administrative committee work at the College level, and is currently the re-elected Chair of the Awards and Scholarship Committee.

Drs. Jessica Meekins and Lisa Pohlman with foster dog Poppy.

Drs. Lisa Pohlman, associate professor of clinical pathology, and Jessica Meekins, associate professor of ophthalmology, serve as president and vice president of the human society, respectively.

After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001, Dr. Pohlman worked in small animal practice for several years providing discounted veterinary services to a county shelter and developing policies and procedures for disease control.

"There was just so much need, and not enough resources or awareness of the massive problem of pet overpopulation," Dr. Pohlman said. "I think from that time on, I knew I'd always have to volunteer my time and skills to help."

Dr. Pohlman became involved with the Riley County Humane Society shortly after joining the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty at K-State, and upon spending time with the organization, she took on the role of president.

"I felt an obligation to offer to help local organizations, so I started volunteering for the Riley County Humane Society," Dr. Pohlman said. "At first, I was a foster parent. Then, I ran their community microchip and vaccination clinics. Then in 2012, the organization went through upheaval and was going to fold because there was no one willing to run it. So, with much trepidation, at the last minute, I volunteered for the job."

In 2013, Dr. Meekins joined the humane society as vice president. Despite the struggles of running the organization, she says the hard work is more than worth it.

"Every time a foster animal finds a forever home, we save a life and make an impact," Dr. Meekins said. "I am also excited that we have the ability to provide quality medical care to animals with special needs, as many shelters and rescue groups are unable to do this due to limited resources. We are able to rescue dogs and cats that would otherwise face humane euthanasia for health problems that are manageable and often curable."

In addition to Drs. Pohlman and Meekins, many veterinary students have volunteered their time with the Riley County Humane Society assisting with fostering and veterinary care. Among them are Stephanie Helmer, second-year student, and Amanda Bennett, third-year student.

While working in the intensive care unit in the Veterinary Health Center, Helmer's involvement with the humane society began when a stray animal was brought in for care.

"This injured kitten immediately stole my heart, and when asked for a volunteer to foster her, I jumped on the opportunity," Helmer said. "I ended up adopting that foster kitten, but I've since fostered other cats with special medical needs. I love that I get the opportunity to be involved in the care of these sick animals. Not only is it extremely fulfilling and rewarding to observe their healing process, but it also allows me the opportunity to further develop my veterinary skills and knowledge."

Bennett started out fostering dogs with RCHS and has been involved with new dog/cat intake and vaccinations for new rescues for about a year.

"My favorite part has and always will be the feeling you get when an animal finds a new home or comes to the Riley County Humane Society from a place of need," Bennett said. "Seeing the changes that happen to these animals and the trust that they have in us makes it all worth it. I absolutely love using the skills I have learned in veterinary school and applying them to these incoming animals."

RCHS has recently developed an emergency pet food pantry for owners who are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The missions of the pantry are to keep pet owners from having to choose between feeding themselves and their pets and to keep loved pets in their homes and out of over-crowded shelters.

Started with the help of major donations from Sunflower Natural Pet Supply and the Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation, the pantry is located at the west entrance of Colony Square at 555 Poyntz Ave. and occurs on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Those who are interested in requesting services from the pantry can apply at https://bit.ly/RCHSPANTRYAPP.

Dr. Douglas Winter performs a dental procedure on a dog.

• Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard of veterinary dental oral care. When performed properly and regularly, it is the most effective defense against plaque, which is the cause of periodontal disease
• Tartar control diets can decrease tartar and plaque buildup. These diets contain abrasives and are shaped to remove plaque from the teeth and calcium chelators to decrease dental calculus.
• Soluble dental chews also help mechanically remove plaque and tartar. Always supervise when giving your pet a treat, as there is potential for choking or obstructive hazards with any treat.
• Water additives can help reduce the accumulation of plaque, tartar or both.
• Antiseptic solutions and gels can decrease gingivitis and plaque formation.

Lastly, always consult your family veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s oral care.