- Kindred Companion Sciences published peer-reviewed findings describing two beagles genetically edited using CRISPR-Cas9 to target Can f 1, a major dog allergen.
- Can f 1 protein was not detected in saliva or hair and dander samples collected from the two edited dogs, according to the study.
- Veterinary examinations showed normal growth and development, and whole-genome sequencing found no detectable off-target edits at the sites analyzed.
- Skin-prick testing in a sensitized individual produced a visible response to unedited dog samples but no detectable response to samples from the edited dogs.
- The company says animal welfare and long-term monitoring will remain central to its development program.
- Kindred’s gene-edited dogs are not commercially available, and the genomic alteration has not been approved by the FDA.
Kindred Companion Sciences has emerged from stealth with peer-reviewed research describing the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to produce two dogs without detectable levels of Can f 1 protein in their saliva or dander.
The biotechnology company published its findings in The CRISPR Journal in a study titled “Targeted genetic knockout of Can f 1, the major allergen in dogs.”
The research involved two female beagles, Alfie and Bailey, born in September 2024 following a targeted genetic edit designed to eliminate Can f 1.
According to Kindred, both dogs have demonstrated normal growth and development since birth.
Targeting a dog allergen at its genetic source
Dog allergies can present a significant barrier to pet ownership and can contribute to allergic and asthmatic reactions in sensitized individuals.
Kindred’s approach seeks to address that problem by targeting the genetic source of Can f 1 rather than attempting to reduce exposure to the allergen after it is produced.
“Kindred was founded on the belief that people shouldn’t have to choose between their health and the companionship of dogs,” Matt Walker, PhD, CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, said in the announcement.
Walker said the research also has a personal connection for him because he lives with dog allergies and has lived with Bailey for nearly two years.
Study reports no detectable Can f 1
According to results reported in The CRISPR Journal, Can f 1 protein was not detected in saliva or hair and dander collected from Alfie and Bailey.
Veterinary examinations showed normal growth and development in both dogs, while whole-genome sequencing identified no detectable off-target genetic edits across the sites analyzed, the company reported.
The researchers also conducted skin-prick testing involving a person sensitized to dog allergens. Samples from unedited dogs produced visible skin reactions, while samples from the gene-edited dogs produced no detectable reaction, according to Kindred.
Samples from poodles and goldendoodles also produced measurable responses in the test, the company said, despite those breeds sometimes being characterized as hypoallergenic.
“These data help validate our approach, which addresses the allergen at its genetic source,” Walker said. “We’re hopeful that Alfie and Bailey will be the first of many Kindred dogs as we build carefully and responsibly toward the next generation of companion animals.”
Gene-edited dogs remain investigational
Kindred said its dogs are not currently commercially available. The genomic alteration described in the research remains investigational and has not been approved by the FDA.
The company said animal welfare is a central component of its development approach. Dogs in the program are bred, raised and monitored under veterinary guidance, with long-term health, temperament and quality of life among the considerations being evaluated.
Kindred said animal procedures associated with the research were conducted in accordance with applicable animal welfare regulations and established principles for responsible animal research.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
