Zoetis’ lokivetmab shows effectiveness against canine atopic dermatitis

Zoetis has announced new clinical trial data showing the effectiveness of its drug lokivetmab against canine atopic dermatitis.

Attending the recent World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, the company presented six abstracts supporting the use of lokivetmab, an antibody designed specifically for dogs that inhibits the canine cytokine interleukin-31.

The drug was shown to provide relief from the clinical signs of pruritus and other clinical signs associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs across three different dosing options, while the safety of the therapy was also confirmed.

Zoetis scientists were also able to find evidence of the IL-31 receptor protein in the skin and nerve tissues of dogs for the first time, offering an insight into how this cytokine induces itching in canines.

A statement from the company said the results "support the blockade of IL-31 as a viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of pruritic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis".

The therapy is conditionally licensed in the US and Canada under the name Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic, with an application for EU approval also currently being assessed.