North American Veterinary Conference -- at last year's AVMA Convention in Boston, Assisi Animal Health introduced the Assisi Loop 2.0 as the first expansion of its PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) product line. This year, Assisi is expanding the veterinary profession's conversation about a new class of treatment for managing pain. In coining the term NPAID (Non-Pharmaceutical Anti-Inflammatory Device), the company is calling attention to this class of treatment as an emerging part of the standard of care in treating pain and inflammation in animals.

For the veterinary community and pet owners, an effective NPAID can be a powerful adjunct or alternative therapy to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and the other drugs normally used in treating these conditions. "For years, the veterinary community has relied on NSAIDs as the standard of care for managing pain and inflammation in animals," said Frank Russo, chief operating officer of Assisi Animal Health.

"While generally effective, NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory medications often carry a number of adverse side effects. Some are quite serious, especially when used long term and in large doses. Such side effects often include gastrointestinal ulcers/perforations, and liver and kidney toxicity. A well-targeted NPAID can offer an effective complement to drugs for either in-office or at-home therapy."

Within this new class of treatment, some NPAIDs are scientifically proven to help alleviate pain and inflammation in humans and in animals without the undesirable side effects of pharmaceuticals, especially when administered over long periods of time.

The Assisi Loop, which employs a patented and FDA-cleared PEMF waveform, falls within this treatment class. The Loop's targeted PEMF signal reduces pain and inflammation by enhancing the production of nitric oxide in injured and inflamed human and animal tissue. The Loop has been cleared by the FDA for treating post-operative pain and edema in humans. Although not required for veterinary medical devices, Assisi is funding five clinical trials to further validate the Loop's ability to provide similar benefits to animals.

Assisi is supporting the new class of treatment with an advertising campaign running in major veterinarian community publications. Additionally, the animal health company has created a special NPAID seal to promote the devices.

"We understand that veterinarians have a long history and experience with NSAIDs," said John Wilkerson, PhD, chief executive officer of Assisi Animal Health. "That's why we believe it's important, first and foremost, to further educate the veterinary community, as well as the pet-owning public, on effective non-pharmaceutical interventions that are available. Education about NPAIDs will more clearly define this class of therapy as part of the standard of care for treating pain and inflammation."

The veterinary community has embraced the Assisi Loop as an adjunct or alternative therapy to treat a range of conditions in dogs, cats and horses. Offered only by prescription, through veterinary professionals, the Loop has been successful in treating orthopedic injuries, degenerative neurological conditions, post-surgical pain and swelling, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions and wounds.

"We have been pleased with the response from veterinary professionals, who are the critical link in caring for animals," said Russo. "There's a growing understanding that the Loop is a valuable adjunct to pharmaceuticals by enhancing their effectiveness at lower doses. When a veterinarian looks at standard of care options for treating inflammation and pain, he or she now has the Loop as an effective NPAID to consider as part of the course of treatment."

Assisi sees the establishment of NPAIDs as a new class of treatment as the next logical progression in veterinary care. "It occurred to Assisi that there is a demonstrated need for more effective non-pharmaceutical treatments for inflammatory disorders," noted Dr. Wilkerson. "NPAIDs now stand as a class of treatment at the same level as NSAIDs, steroids and opioids to better manage pain and provide optimal care for animals."

Assisi Animal Health was acquired in 2013 by John Wilkerson, a successful medical industry entrepreneur and life science growth investor. Assisi Animal Health is a science-based company specializing in offering clinical therapeutic solutions to veterinary professionals. The Assisi Loop is sold directly only to veterinary professionals or by veterinary prescription to pet owners. The company helps veterinary professionals and pet owners collaborate in delivering the optimal level of care to animals.