Merial launches Oncept IL-2 cancer therapy

Merial has announced the European launch of Oncept IL-2, a new cancer management product for cats.

It is the first veterinary immunotherapeutic product in Europe for the management of cancer in pets and functions as an adjunct immunotherapy for feline fibrosarcoma. It is based on the innovative recombinant canarypox vector technology, which is used in several Merial vaccines.

The drug has shown efficacy in clinical trials and is indicated for cats with fibrosarcoma without metastasis or lymph node involvement. It can help to reduce the risk of relapse and increase relapse-free intervals among felines.

Kevin Whelan, Merial's technical manager, provided an explanation of the drug's novel mode of action, which sees the recombinant canarypox vector virus entering the cat's cells following injection at the tumour surgery site, resulting in the production of interleukin-2.

He added: "The presence of this cytokine stimulates an anti-tumour immune response by a variety of mechanisms, including the induction of T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells."

This comes after the company last month received European Medicines Agency approval for Broadline, a product that offers broad spectrum parasite treatment and prevention in cats.