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Chronic enteropathy in dogs: EMA backs a new treatment

Photo: Unsplash (free licence).

Quick answer: on 9 October 2026 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) published its veterinary committee's positive opinion on Stemyca, a stem cell medicine to reduce the clinical signs of chronic inflammatory enteropathy in dogs that does not respond to diet. The European Commission still has to decide, so it is not yet available at vet practices. If your dog has ongoing digestive problems, a thorough veterinary diagnosis remains the first step.

Chronic enteropathy is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss that drag on for weeks in dogs. That is why this news, from the meeting of the EMA's Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) held on 6-8 October 2026, matters to many families living with a dog with a “sensitive stomach”.

What the EMA has backed and what Stemyca is

On 8 October 2026 the CVMP adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorisation for Stemyca, applied for by the Spanish company EquiCord S.L. It is a concentrate for infusion made from equine umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

According to the EMA's published summary, it is intended to reduce the clinical signs of non-food-responsive chronic inflammatory enteropathy in dogs. The cells are thought to work through immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. No adverse events were detected in the treated dogs in the submitted studies, and the product is described as generally well tolerated.

What chronic enteropathy is and what “non-food-responsive” means

Vets talk about chronic enteropathy when a dog has digestive signs that persist or keep coming back for weeks, once other causes such as parasites, infections or diseases of other organs have been ruled out. Often the first step is a specific diet prescribed by the vet. When the dog does not improve enough with that change, the condition is described as non-food-responsive, and that is the group the new medicine targets.

What it means for you if your dog has digestive problems

  • It is not at the vet's yet. The CVMP opinion must become a European Commission decision before the medicine can be marketed.
  • It does not replace a diagnosis. Your vet will decide whether a particular dog is a candidate after the appropriate tests.
  • Keep a record of symptoms. How often your dog passes stools and what they look like, vomiting, appetite and weekly weight are all very helpful at the appointment.
  • Do not switch food every few days. Constant changes make it hard to tell what works; follow your vet's plan.

Some families, always in agreement with their vet, try foods with a single animal protein source. These are options from our shop you can discuss at your next appointment:

Other news from the same meeting

At its October meeting the CVMP also concluded a referral on Vetmedin 1.5 mg/ml oral solution for dogs, finding a positive benefit-risk balance for the proposed new indication, and updated the product information for Mirataz with new safety data. These are technical changes your vet will be aware of; if your pet takes one of these medicines, do not change anything on your own.

See more wet dog food, dry dog food and veterinary diets for cats.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Stemyca for my dog now?

Not yet. The EMA has issued a positive opinion, but authorisation depends on the European Commission's decision. Once it is available, your vet will assess whether it is suitable.

When should I worry about my dog's diarrhoea?

See your vet if diarrhoea or vomiting lasts more than a couple of days, keeps recurring, or comes with blood, lethargy or weight loss. With puppies and older dogs, go sooner.

Does a single-protein diet cure enteropathy?

Not necessarily. In some dogs diet helps a great deal; in others it is not enough. That is why it is best to follow a plan agreed with your vet and not change food without advice.

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