Mission RENAL 5: Varenzin™-CA 1 for Non-Regenerative Anemia in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Release Date: 01/22/2026
One Health Heroes, Feb 1, 2026: Cold Weather Tips, WHO Departure, Vaccine Recommendations, Disease Surveillance
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In this episode, Dr. Mandy Sorensen reviews major One Health updates, including a sharp rise in avian influenza cases, ongoing concerns about New World Screwworm, and important winter safety risks for pets. The conversation highlights the scale of recent poultry losses and spillover risks to mammals, including pets. New conditional treatment options for screwworm in dogs are approved, but early recognition and reporting are crucial. The episode closes with reflections on global disease surveillance through the WHO, collaboration, and encouraging developments in public health leadership from...
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Mission RENAL 5: Varenzin™-CA 1 for Non-Regenerative Anemia in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In Part 5 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to discuss non-regenerative anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease and introduce Varenzin™-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension), the first FDA conditionally approved oral treatment for this condition. They explain why non-regenerative anemia matters, how it affects quality of life, and how this innovative medication works differently from older therapies. Sponsored by Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney...
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One Health Heroes, Jan 15, 2026: Forever Chemicals, One Health Month and Good News
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January is One Health Month and we are highlighting opportunities for education, career exploration, and collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health. This episode provides updates on ongoing One Health threats, including avian influenza, New World Screwworm, and wildlife rabies, with practical guidance for veterinarians and the public. A major focus of the discussion introduces PFAS (“forever chemicals”), explaining what they are, why they matter for One Health, and how environmental contamination can impact both human and animal health. The episode closes on an...
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Mission RENAL 4: Medications for Pets with Chronic Kidney Disease
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In Part 4 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain treatments for hypertension, proteinuria, high phosphorus, and anemia; how IRIS staging affects prognosis; and how to maintain quality of life as CKD progresses. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. How medications support kidney health in pets with CKD Why treating anemia, hypertension, and proteinuria slows disease progression How phosphate binders and...
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One Health Heroes, Jan 1, 2026: Rabies in Chicago, One Health Month, Avian Influenza in Dogs and Cats
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Mission RENAL 3: Home Care for Pets with Chronic Kidney Disease
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In Part 3 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain ways cat and dog owners can help support their pet with chronic kidney disease at home through nutrition, hydration, and monitoring. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. Prescription renal diets significantly improve survival and quality of life. Encourage hydration through food, fountains, and flavor additives. Subcutaneous fluids should be reserved for...
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One Health Heroes, Dec 15, 2025: Pet Vaccine Hesitancy, Rabies in an Organ Donor, H5N1 and Elephant Seals
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In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the , discusses: ., affecting wild birds, backyard flocks, commercial poultry, and even dairy herds, underscoring the need for continued surveillance and reporting. , with avian influenza linked to , highlighting the broader biodiversity consequences of emerging diseases. , with studies estimating hesitancy in ~21% of dog owners and ~25% of cat owners, . but preventable disease, with recent cases illustrating how small (including can lead to tragic outcomes in both animals and humans. Canine...
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Mission RENAL 2: Testing and Staging Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In Part 2 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain how veterinarians interpret blood and urine tests to diagnose kidney disease, what IRIS staging means, and the importance of individualized treatment plans. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. Key Takeaways: Blood and urine tests together give the most accurate picture of kidney health. IRIS staging helps veterinarians guide treatment but doesn’t define your...
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One Health Heroes, December 1, 2025: Holiday Food and Safety Tips, H5N5 Human Case, New World Screwworm
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In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, discusses: The , how this strain affecting poultry, wild birds, and cattle, and why mutations remain a growing public health concern. An update on New World Screwworm, including and ongoing federal surveillance efforts near the southern U.S. border. , focusing on preventing food-borne illness, , , and . Pet owners and veterinary professionals, sign up for our newsletter here: Veterinarians are invited to join the . Help support...
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Mission RENAL 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In Part 1 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain the difference between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and CKD, why many CKD cases have no single cause, the early warning signs and why these signs happen, the power of early screening to slow progression, and how staging CKD guides individualized care. CKD is irreversible but manageable—early detection matters. PU/PD (peeing/drinking more) is often the first clue; appetite changes are common. Pets can act normal with substantial kidney function loss—don’t wait on labs. Wellness...
info_outlineIn Part 5 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to discuss non-regenerative anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease and introduce Varenzin™-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension), the first FDA conditionally approved oral treatment for this condition. They explain why non-regenerative anemia matters, how it affects quality of life, and how this innovative medication works differently from older therapies. Sponsored by Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease.
Key Takeaways:
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Non-regenerative anemia is a common and expected complication of advanced CKD in cats
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Treating non-regenerative anemia can improve energy, appetite, and overall quality of life
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Varenzin™-CA1 works by restoring the cat’s own erythropoietin production
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Earlier treatment of non-regenerative anemia may help reduce disease progression stress
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Oral administration improves compliance and reduces owner-cat stress
Please note: Varenzin-CA 1 (molidustat oral suspension) is indicated for the control of non-regenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Discussions within this podcast pertaining to treating anemia with Varenzin-CA1 are solely pertaining to the treatment of CKD-related non-regenerative anemia.
Resources & Links:
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Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 5: Varenzin-CA1 for Non-Regenerative Anemia in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
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Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).
Varenzin™-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.
Important Safety Information
Varenzin™-CA1 is for oral use in cats only and prescribed only by licensed veterinarians. Keep this drug and used syringes out of reach of children. Wash hands immediately after use. In case of accidentally swallowing, call a doctor immediately. Women who are or may become pregnant should use the product with caution. Do not give to pregnant, nursing or breeding cats. Before using Varenzin™-CA1, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is allergic to molidustat, has a history of seizures or thromboembolic disease predisposition. Use with caution in cats younger than 1 year of age. Common side effects include vomiting and high blood pressure. Red blood cell proportion should be monitored. Click here for complete safety information.