Zoetis' monoclonal antibody therapy, Cytopoint gets European marketing approval for veterinary use

Cytopoint is indicated to treat the clinical signs, including itching and inflammation, associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs of any age weighing 3 kilograms or more. Cytopoint targets and neutralizes canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31), a key protein involved in triggering itch 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 helps improve the long-term health and quality of life for dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis and eases the related frustration and concern of their owners.

“My personal experience with Cytopoint showed impressive speed of efficacy, significantly reducing itch in dogs from 24 hours onwards,” said Dr. Emmanuel Bensignor, a specialist in veterinary dermatology in Paris, France, who participated in field studies conducted in Europe. “Atopic dermatitis is a very common disease in dogs, and the owners I meet are desperate to find a rapid, reliable and safe solution for their suffering dogs. With its once monthly injection, I believe that Cytopoint has the potential to meet pet owners’ needs for its convenience. European veterinary dermatologists and veterinarians will now have access to a new therapeutic class via this first monoclonal antibody treatment for veterinary use. It is a very exciting innovation which brings a notable improvement to the health and quality of life of the dogs and happiness to their families.”

“We are honored to be granted the first approval of a monoclonal antibody therapy for veterinary use by the European Commission,” said Dr. Catherine Knupp, executive vice president and president, research and development at Zoetis. “As the first such therapy to provide relief from atopic dermatitis, we are once again using our science and focus on our customers’ most pressing challenges to find solutions for an area of unmet need in animal health.”

According to Dr. Knupp, this innovation results from a deeper scientific understanding of the causes of allergic skin conditions in dogs at the molecular level and the development of novel, targeted, effective treatments based on these new insights. “Veterinarians 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. These first-in-class medicines give veterinarians effective, safe options to customize atopic dermatitis treatment for canine patients, and I am very proud of the breakthrough treatments our Zoetis team has developed,” said Dr. Knupp.

Apoquel is the first Janus kinase inhibitor approved by the European Commission for veterinary use to provide fast and safe itch relief for dogs at least 12 months of age that have symptoms associated with allergic dermatitis triggered by food, fleas or contact allergens, as well as atopic dermatitis.

Zoetis' monoclonal antibody therapy, cytopoint, european marketing approval, veterinary use