Zoetis Presents New Data On Lokivetmab, A Therapeutic Antibody For Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis, At The 8th World Congress Of Veterinary Dermatology
8 years ago 
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BORDEAUX, FRANCE – June 14, 2016 – Zoetis scientists presented six abstracts at the 8th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD) that contribute to the body of evidence supporting the use of lokivetmab, an antibody designed specifically for dogs that inhibits the canine cytokine interleukin-31 (cIL-31). The data also advance scientific understanding of the role of IL-31 in canine atopic dermatitis.
Data Supporting the Efficacy of Lokivetmab in Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Zoetis presented the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose determination trial to evaluate efficacy of three doses of lokivetmab (0.125, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg) in providing relief from the clinical signs of pruritus (itching) and other clinical signs associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs. Veterinary investigators at 15 clinics enrolled 245 client-owned dogs* with chronic atopic dermatitis. Lokivetmab or a placebo was administered by subcutaneous injection on day 0, and efficacy was evaluated periodically over 56 days. Dog owners assessed their dog’s pruritus using a visual analog scale (VAS), and investigators assessed the associated skin lesions using Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-03 (CADESI-03) scores.
Lokivetmab, injected once subcutaneously, provided dose-dependent improvement in owner-assessed pruritus and clinician-assessed CADESI-03 scores for four to six weeks in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Data Supporting the Safety of Lokivetmab
Zoetis also presented results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety of lokivetmab at the nominal dose tested of 1 mg/kg (range, 1-3.3 mg/kg) in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinarians evaluated 245 client-owned dogs* with chronic, naturally-occurring atopic dermatitis. These dogs were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to receive two monthly injections of lokivetmab (162 dogs) or placebo on days 0 and 28. No immediate hypersensitivity reactions were observed and there were no clinically important differences in clinical pathology results. No apparent adverse drug interactions were reported. Dogs studied were taking a wide variety of medications, which is important because multimodal therapy is commonly prescribed for dogs with atopic dermatitis. Adverse events were reported at a similar frequency between the groups.
New Scientific Insights into the Function of IL-31 in Canine Allergic Skin Diseases
Foundational science was presented that provides a deeper understanding of IL-31 involvement in canine itch. Using immunohistochemical staining techniques, Zoetis scientists found the IL-31 receptor protein in skin and nerve tissues in dogs. Demonstrating the presence of IL-31 receptor in both skin and nerve tissue offers insight into how this cytokine induces pruritus in dogs. It further supports the blockade of IL-31 as a viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of pruritic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
About Lokivetmab
Lokivetmab is an antibody designed for dogs. It specifically targets and neutralizes canine interleukin-31 (IL-31), a key cytokine (a protein important in cell to cell communication) that is associated with atopic dermatitis, including sending the itch signal to the brain. The scratching that results from itch exacerbates skin damage in atopic dogs and creates a continuous cycle of clinical disease. Zoetis has submitted an application for marketing authorisation of this product in the European Union. This caninized anti-IL-31 antibody is conditionally licensed in the United States and Canada under the name Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic**.
*Dogs owned by and living at home with a family.
**This product license is conditional. Efficacy and potency test studies are in progress.
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