Surprisingly Useful AI Article Enhancements
Australian scientists have developed an injectable treatment that helps clear blocked airways in flat-faced dog breeds, offering what could become an alternative or complement to surgery for a condition that affects nearly half of all Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs.
Melbourne-based biotechnology company Snoretox and RMIT University have published early results from a trial of the therapy, known as Snoretox-1, in The Veterinary Journal.
A breeding problem decades in the making
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS, is a common condition in flat-faced breeds that restricts airflow. It affects a dog’s ability to breathe, eat, exercise and sleep.
The condition is a consequence of decades of selective breeding for the flat-faced appearance that has made breeds like French Bulldogs among the most popular in Australia and globally. While the skull has been shortened through breeding, the soft tissue in the upper airway has not adapted to match, leaving excess tissue crowded into a smaller space where it can obstruct airflow.
Tony Sasse, Managing Director of Snoretox and Adjunct Professor at RMIT, described the scale of the problem.
“Decades of selective breeding for the popular flat-faced appearance have unfortunately led to serious breathing problems,” Sasse noted.
“In severe cases, the condition has been shown to shorten a dog’s life by up to four years.”
Six bulldogs, one three-minute walk
The early-stage trial involved six British Bulldogs with severe BOAS symptoms. Before treatment, the dogs struggled to complete a three-minute walk.
After receiving the patented Snoretox-1 injection, all six dogs were able to complete a brisk walk that had previously been difficult for them, with noticeably reduced breathing noise and effort.
The results represent the first published clinical observations of the therapy in affected dogs.
While the sample size is small and further research is needed, the consistency of visible improvement across all six animals has given the research team confidence to pursue larger trials.
How the therapy works
Snoretox-1 uses a modified tetanus toxin to improve muscle tone in the floor of the dog’s mouth, helping keep the airway open.
Professor Peter Smooker, a Biotechnologist at RMIT’s School of Science who has collaborated on the technology for more than 15 years, explained the mechanism.
“In short-snouted breeds, the soft tissue in the upper airway hasn’t adapted to the shorter skull. This leaves excess tissue crowded into a smaller space, where it can obstruct airflow,” Smooker outlined.
“The therapy strengthens the muscles at the front of the airway, helping support the throat and maintain airflow during breathing.”
Related: Best Business Laptops for work & school
Related: Best Gaming Laptops
Related: Best Portable Laptop
The treatment combines a targeting component with a small dose of the therapeutic agent to safely increase muscle tone in the airway. It is delivered as an injection rather than requiring general anaesthesia and surgery.
Surgery is not always the answer
The current treatment options for BOAS are limited. Surgery to widen the nostrils and remove excessive throat tissue is the primary intervention, alongside weight-management strategies. But outcomes vary considerably.
Research shows that up to 60 per cent of affected dogs still experience breathing problems after surgery, and seven per cent do not survive the procedure.
Sasse pointed to the trial results as evidence that Snoretox-1 could serve as either a complement to or a replacement for surgery in some cases.
“We also observed improvements in dogs that had not responded well to previous surgery,” he noted.
“Further research and regulatory approvals are required before the treatment can be offered more widely, but these positive results provide an early indication that we are on the right path.”
A platform with broader potential
While the immediate focus is on veterinary applications, the research team sees potential for the underlying technology to be applied more broadly.
Professor Russell Conduit from RMIT’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences pointed to future applications beyond veterinary care, including obstructive sleep apnoea, incontinence and pelvic floor disorders in humans.
“This is exciting evidence to support human drug trials for conditions involving poor muscle tone,” Conduit observed.
Sasse acknowledged the wider possibilities but indicated the company is taking a methodical approach to development.
“This product has platform potential for a range of conditions in both animals and humans,” he explained. “From a regulatory approvals perspective, it makes sense to start with these animal applications, but we are keeping the bigger picture of wider applications in animals and humans in mind.”
Fifteen years in development
The technology behind Snoretox-1 has been in development for more than 15 years through the collaboration between Snoretox and RMIT.
The research was supported by Australian Research Council Linkage grants, the Medical Research Future Fund Frontier Round 1, the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium and RMIT Enabling Impact Platform funding.
RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO, described the project as an example of the university’s focus on research with practical outcomes.
“This project is focused on making a real difference to animals, with the potential for broader impact in the future,” Drummond remarked.
Next steps
The research team is looking to expand trials and pursue regulatory approvals before the treatment can be offered more widely.
Owners of bulldogs experiencing symptoms such as snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, or lethargy can register interest in participating in future trials at snoretox.com/bulldog-trial-volunteers.
