NUMELVI pack shots
Veterinary Medicines Directorate Approves NUMELVI® (atinvicitinib) Tablets For Dogs
2 weeks ago 
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MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has approved NUMELVI ® (atinvicitinib) Tablets for Dogs.
NUMELVI is the first and only second‑generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated from six months of age (and 3kg) for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis, as well as the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs. With a once-daily treatment regimen, NUMELVI is clinically effective after the first dose, making it an ideal first-line treatment.
“Allergic dermatitis is a common condition that causes distress and discomfort for so many dogs. By combining targeted JAK1 selectivity with clinically-proven efficacy in a once‑daily regimen, NUMELVI helps make itch relief simple for dogs, pet owners and the veterinarians treating them,” said Victoria Miles, Companion Animal Director – Great Britain, MSD Animal Health.
NUMELVI is at least 10 times more selective for JAK1*1 compared to other JAK family members (JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase (TYK) 2). Thus, NUMELVI has very little to no effect on cytokines involved in haematopoiesis or immune function that are dependent on JAK2 or the other JAK family members. This selectivity contributes to NUMELVI’s favourable safety profile1 meaning it is approved as the only JAK inhibitor licensed for use in dogs as young as six months of age (and 3kg) 1. It can also be used concurrently with vaccines (including rabies) and other common treatments such as ectoparasiticides. Additionally, there is no requirement for routine blood and urine monitoring. Clinically, NUMELVI offers a rapid onset of action, beginning to relieve itch within 2–4 hours** and provides simple dosing of one tablet a day from day one1.
Reflecting on the clinical value of this innovation, Dr Debbie Gow BVM&S PhD DipECVD MBA FHEA FRCVS commented: “Second‑generation JAK inhibitors are selective — specifically, in this case, more selective for JAK1 than other JAK enzymes. The high selectivity for JAK 1 contributes to the favourable safety profile of NUMELVI.”
Further highlighting the importance of selecting the right product for each dermatological case, Dr Sue Paterson MA VetMB DVD DipECVD FRCVS added: “Treating canine allergic dermatitis means offering treatment which relieves itch and inflammation, whilst managing any unwanted side effects. We want to inhibit JAK 1 to reduce itch and inflammation, whilst having little to no effect on other JAK family members.”
Miles added: “With this authorisation of NUMELVI, MSD Animal Health is proud to offer veterinarians and pet owners an innovative next generation JAK inhibitor that delivers meaningful benefits over current standard of care.”
To mark the introduction of this new innovation to the UK veterinary community, MSD Animal Health will host the UK’s biggest lunch‑and‑learn digital launch event in partnership with The Webinar Vet on Thursday 26th March(registration link here). Recognising the significance of this therapeutic advancement, the event aims to set a Guinness World Record for a veterinary educational launch event.
This VMD market authorisation follows EU approval of the product in autumn 2025 for use in its member states.
*Over the other JAK enzymes in in vitro assays
**Based on a canine interleukin-31 induced pruritus model
1. NUMELVI® Summary of product characteristics
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