In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.
At a glance
Founders: Siobhan Ellis (CEO) and Steve Henry(CTO)
Business: Kode Veterinary Sciences
Founded: 2024
HQ: Hawke’s Bay
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Kode Veterinary Sciences was founded by CEO Siobhan Ellis and Kode Biotech in February 2024 with a goal to improve the treatment options for pets with cancer. Lead by a clinical veterinarian with a passion to make cancer treatment as safe, affordable and accessible for any many pet parents as possible.
We are developing Kv9, a novel cancer immuno-therapeutic that is designed to create a personalised vaccine by labelling cancer cells in-situ and activating the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer cells.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
I was approached by the CEO of Kode Biotech, Steve Henry, to run a company that would develop a cancer treatment that is designed specific for pets based on their human counterpart, AGI-134.