The Technology was invented by two of the founders of Gonex, Dr. Terry
Nett and Dr. Michael Glodé. The technology offers a more convenient
and animal friendly alternative to surgical procedures used today for
spaying and neutering of animals. With a single injection, it may be
possible to permanently sterilize the animal. The product will work
in both males and females. Because of the unique mechanism of action,
our expectations are that health benefits such as decreased risk of
breast and prostate cancers enjoyed through early spaying and neutering
would also be achieved with the Gonex injection. Similarly, the behavior
benefits of neutering such as aggressive behavior and roaming in males
are likely to be achieved with the single injection product.
Mechanism of Action
The gonads in both males and females are stimulated by two hormones
secreted by the anterior pituitary gland: luteinizing hormone (LH) and
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), termed gonadotropins. By chemically
linking GnRH, a brain peptide that binds to receptors on the gonadotrope
cells, to a protein inhibitor, it is possible to deliver the protein
inhibitor specifically to gonadotrope cells that synthesize and secrete
LH and FSH in the anterior pituitary gland. The gonadotrope cells will
internalize the GnRH conjugate as part of normal cell processes. The
internalized complex will cause death of the gonadotrope cell. When
the number of gonadotrope cells is adequately reduced, there will be
inadequate levels of LH or FSH available to stimulate the gonads and
the animal will be sterile.
© Copyright 2001 Gonex, Inc. All rights reserved