Zoetis Launches Cytopoint - The First Monoclonal Antibody Approved For Veterinary Use
7 years ago 
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Walton Oaks, UK, June 26, 2017 - Zoetis announced the launch of Cytopoint (lokivetmab), the first monoclonal antibody approved for veterinary use in the European Union. A single injection of Cytopoint treats the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs, including itch and inflammation for up to one month.
As a monoclonal antibody, Cytopoint is able to target and neutralise a very specific protein - canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31) that triggers itching in dogs. Administered by injection once monthly, Cytopoint provides fast, long-lasting relief of itching - the hallmark sign of the allergic skin condition atopic dermatitis in dogs - and the inflammation and lesions it causes.
Cytopoint is the result of years of research & development and new insights by Zoetis scientists into the pathomechanisms involved in allergic dermatitis in dogs. The novel monoclonal antibody is the second product to result from the R&D platform developed by Zoetis, joining Apoquel→ (oclacitinib tablet) and providing veterinary surgeons with two targeted treatment options for canine patients with atopic dermatitis.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Andy Hillier BVSc, MANZCVS, Dipl ACVD, Veterinary Specialty Operations and Medical Lead Allergy, Dermatology at Zoetis commented: “Monoclonal antibody therapy is the fastest growing therapeutic area in human medicine, and Zoetis has focused on how these therapies can be translated to animal health. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are developed in a laboratory from a single cell line and, when administered to patients, target and neutralise specific antigens. MAbs mimic the activity of the animal’s own naturally produced antibodies without provoking an immune response from the host. This is the first of its kind antibody therapy in veterinary medicine to help break the itch cycle and provide relief for dogs that suffer from atopic dermatitis.
“Veterinary surgeons have told us that allergic dogs and their owners have a variety of needs and we are proud to offer them two innovative solutions with Cytopoint and our oral tablet therapy, Apoquel.”
Apoquel is the first Janus kinase inhibitor approved by the European Commission for veterinary use to provide fast and sustained itch relief for dogs at least 12 months of age that have symptoms associated with allergic dermatitis.
Itching is among the most frequent canine complaint, affecting around 1 in 6 dogs whose owners seek veterinary help.1 There are a number of factors that can trigger an itch reaction, such as infections, allergies and parasites - and approximately 15-20 percent of all itchy dogs will be diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.1
About Cytopoint
Cytopoint is a ready-to-use, sterile solution for injection containing the mAB lokivetmab. It is specifically designed to target and neutralise cIL-31, a key cytokine (a protein important in cell to cell communication) involved in triggering itching associated with canine atopic dermatitis. It works by mimicking the activity of natural antibodies to selectively bind and neutralise IL-31, thus interrupting the itch cycle in atopic dogs.
Cytopoint begins working within eight hours and delivers one month of relief from the clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis, allowing damaged skin the chance to heal. In clinical studies submitted to the European Medicines Agency, treatment with Cytopoint at a minimum dose of 1 mg/kg resulted in a clear benefit in the reduction of pruritus (itching) and showed a beneficial effect on the reduction of disease severity as evaluated by scoring the skin lesions.
The product is licensed for dogs of any age, even those with concomitant diseases and can be used with many common medications, including vaccines. In addition, because of the precision and specificity with which it acts to target and neutralise cIL-31, it has been demonstrated not to interfere with the immune response, meaning that it does not induce unintended immunosuppression or enhancement. Cytopoint functions like normally occurring antibodies and is eliminated via normal protein degradation pathways in the same way, with minimal involvement of the liver or kidneys.
The recommended minimum efficacious dose for the treatment of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs is 1mg/kg, which can be repeated monthly. Cytopoint will be available in single dose vials containing 10,20, 30 or 40mg/kg of lokivetmab.
Initially, Cytopoint will be available in July to a group of UK veterinary dermatologists through an early experience programme, with a full roll-out following in September.
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