Equigerminal

Equigerminal is a Portuguese veterinary biotechnology company based in Penela, Portugal, that provides DNA and health testing for horses, dogs and cats. Founded in 2015, the company describes itself as offering "precision medicine for every horse" and "healthspan intelligence for dogs," combining genetic testing with personalised interpretations and veterinary support. Its product catalogue includes tests for equine genetic conditions such as PSSM1 (Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy), WFFS (Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome), coat colour profiles, and canine and feline infectious disease and parentage tests. The company operates a laboratory in Penela and serves clients internationally, with sample submission by mail and express delivery options. Equigerminal emphasises scientific rigour, innovation, and animal welfare, and states that it has been ranked first in ISAG proficiency testing for horse genetics since 2015. The company is led by co-founders Isabel Fidalgo Carvalho (CEO and Chief Scientific Officer) and Alexandre Vieira Pires (COO and CFO). Under the brand "Alexis," the founders also pursue broader equine and pet health initiatives. Equigerminal positions itself at the intersection of biotechnology, digital health (AI and blockchain), and veterinary diagnostics.

Equigerminal was founded in 2015 in Portugal as a veterinary biotechnology company focused on equine genetics. The company established a laboratory in Penela, in the Coimbra district, and began offering DNA tests for horses, later expanding to dogs and cats. From its early years, Equigerminal participated in international proficiency testing and states that it has been ranked first in ISAG (International Society for Animal Genetics) proficiency testing for horse genetics since 2015. The company developed a portfolio of genetic tests for equine conditions such as Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1) and Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS), as well as coat colour panels and parentage analysis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Equigerminal applied its diagnostic expertise to develop SARS-CoV-2 antibody and molecular tests for dogs and cats, conducting a seroepidemiological survey in Portugal that found antibodies in cats and dogs. The company has emphasised a One Health approach and the use of digital technologies, including AI and blockchain, to support preventive care. Under the brand "Alexis," the founders continue to develop precision tools for equine and pet health. As of the latest available information, Equigerminal remains a private company headquartered in Penela, Portugal, serving an international clientele.

• 2020

  Develops and offers SARS-CoV-2 antibody and molecular tests for dogs and cats during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 2015

  Company founded; begins horse genetics testing and achieves ISAG Rank 1 in proficiency testing.

Precision veterinary medicine combining genetic testing, personalised interpretation, and digital health technologies.

• PSSM1 Muscle Disease Test

  Detects the R309H variant in the GYS1 gene causing Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy in horses.

• 8-Gene Coat Colour Profile

  Reads eight coat colour genes from one sample to determine a horse's colour and potential offspring colours.

• WFFS and PSSM1 Test Bundle

  Two DNA tests from one sample: WFFS (PLOD1 variant) and PSSM1.

• Canine DNA Profiling and Parentage Analysis

  Genetic profiling and parentage verification for dogs.

• Canine COVID19 Antibody Test

  Detects IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein and Spike protein in dogs.

• Canine COVID19 Molecular Test

  Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs.

1. 1Equigerminal — DNA & Health Tests for Horses, Dogs and Catsequigerminal.org
2. 2About - Equigerminal One Stop Diagnosis Labequigerminal.org
3. 3DNA test for Coat colour profileequigerminal.org
4. 4Canine SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test for Dogsequigerminal.org
5. 5Equigerminal (Portugal) - Wikidatawikidata.org