KANSAS CITY, Kan. and BOSTON, Sept. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aratana Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PETX), a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the licensing, development and commercialization of innovative medications for pets (pet therapeutics), participated in several business development and leadership events during "CVC Week" in Kansas City.   The Conference for Veterinary Care (CVC) and adjunctive events, including the 2013 Animal Health Research Symposium and the Animal Health Early+Mid-Stage Investment Forum, were organized from August 23-27, 2013 to advance the growth and science of veterinary and animal care.

Showcasing its leadership position in the development and commercialization of innovative medications for pets, Aratana's Head of Drug Evaluation and Development, Ernst Heinen, DVM, Ph.D., delivered a presentation during the 2013 Animal Health Research Symposium entitled, "From Human Research To Pet Therapeutics."  Dr. Heinen's presentation highlighted the need for improved medications for dogs and cats, and the greenfield opportunity to develop drugs presently for human applications into therapeutics specifically for use in pets.

Separately, Aratana's Chief Scientific Officer, Linda Rhodes, VMD, Ph.D., a pioneer in the veterinary and animal health industry, presented the "2013 Innovation Award" at the Animal Health Early+Mid-Stage Investment Forum.   Sponsored by Aratana, the Innovation Award recognizes a single company that combines the most promising scientific and business opportunity. 

Steven St. Peter, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Aratana Therapeutics, stated, "CVC Week is one of the significant annual events in animal health and veterinary care, and since we are a Kansas City-headquartered company, we are particularly pleased to play a leadership role in the emerging pet therapeutics space."

About Aratana Therapeutics
Aratana Therapeutics is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the licensing, development and commercialization of innovative medications for pets, or pet therapeutics. Aratana believes that it can leverage the investment in the human biopharmaceutical industry to bring therapeutics to pets in a capital and time efficient manner. Aratana's strategy is to in-license proprietary compounds from human biopharmaceutical companies and to develop these product candidates into therapeutics specifically for use in pets. Aratana believes the development and commercialization of these therapeutics will permit veterinarians and pet owners to manage pets' medical needs safely and effectively, resulting in longer and improved quality of life for pets.  For more information, please visit www.aratana.com.

Contacts:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.

Joshua Drumm, Ph.D. (investors)
jdrumm@tiberend.com; (212) 375-2664

Andrew Mielach (media)
amielach@tiberend.com; (212) 375-2694

SOURCE Aratana Therapeutics