Epivara

Dr. Ko is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and founded Epivara with Dr. Eui Yul Choi in 2016.

iSpay & iNeuter develops methods to fix animals without surgery.

There are over 32 million unowned free-roaming cats in the US, and this number is only growing.

Epivara secures a **$275,000 NSF SBIR Phase I grant** to develop a **non-surgical sterilization method for female cats** using a single injectable implant. The innovation aims to replace traditional spay surgery, addressing cost barriers, surgical risks, and recovery challenges that deter cat owners from sterilization. Research focuses on advancing a novel, implant-based alternative to conventional procedures.

Feb 2026MysiteNews article

Epivara, a startup founded by Dr. CheMyongJay Ko, develops nonsurgical sterilization technologies. The company is graduating from EnterpriseWorks and was recently highlighted for its innovative approach in the sterilization sector. Epivara’s solutions aim to address traditional surgical sterilization challenges with advanced, non-invasive methods.

Nov 2024Research Park | University of Illinois Urbana ChampaignNews article

Dr. CheMyong Jay Ko develops a non-surgical sterilization method to reduce the need for reproductive organ removal surgeries in animals. His research aims to help veterinarians focus more on healing rather than invasive procedures. The technology targets a key veterinary challenge by offering an alternative to traditional surgical sterilization.

Nov 2024WCIA.comNews article

Dr. CheMyong Ko and his research team have developed a nonsurgical sterilization method for dogs, cats, and pigs. This approach eliminates the need for traditional surgical procedures, potentially reducing risks and improving accessibility for pet owners and farmers. The innovation targets a broader range of animals compared to existing alternatives, offering a scalable solution in veterinary care.

Sep 2024Veterinary Medicine at IllinoisNews article