Lymphoma is among the most common canine cancers. With current chemotherapy treatments, the median survival time is one year. The drug rituximab is made of antibodies programmed to kill cancerous cells. This could extend lives and offer a cure for many affected pets.

Canine rituximab was set to finish development and be released by Novartis, until the project was sold to Eli Lilly and Company. Eli Lilly has stated it has no intention of pursuing the project at this time - dashing the hopes of many loving dog owners.

I started this petition because my beloved dog, Sable, (pictured above) was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. She is only 6 years old, sweet as can be, and otherwise in prime health. We were hopeful that rituximab would save her, but now it's been cancelled. However, it's not too late for Sable and the many, many, other dogs in her same situation. Eli Lilly and Company needs to resume work on canine rituximab.