U of I Professor Creates Non-Surgical Animal Sterilization Tech

Dr. CheMyong Jay Ko, a professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, is pioneering nonsurgical sterilization methods to reduce the need for traditional spay and neuter surgeries. These methods aim to save veterinarians time while sparing animals from invasive procedures. Ko and his team developed a practical sterilant after discovering that administering synthetic estrogen to newborn rodents disrupts reproductive organ development. This process leverages a window in early life when hormone levels are low, preventing the development of reproductive organs and reducing sex-related behaviors without affecting overall growth.

Through his company, Epivara, Ko created iSpay and iNeuter, injectable biodegradable pellets for cats and dogs, and iNeuter-S for male pigs as an alternative to surgical castration. While awaiting FDA and USDA approval, Epivara has received grants from the National Science Foundation, the USDA, and private investors to advance their work, with an estimated $25 million needed for full regulatory approval per product.