An overview of Zenrelia

In September 2024, the FDA announced that it has approved ilunocitinib tablets (Zenrelia; Elanco), to treat canine patients with pruritus associated with both allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis. The product can be given orally once a day, with or without food, to dogs over the age of 1.

In this video interview with dvm360, Mara Tugel, DVM, veterinary technical marketing-companion animal therapeutics for Elanco, gives viewers an overview of the product and how it can help improve the lives of canines suffering from these dermatology diseases, and the benefits it has for clients.

Below is a partial transcript

Mara Tugel, DVM: Zenrelia, or the drug name illunocitinib, is a Janus kinase or JAK inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA to control pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis in dogs that are over 12 months of age. So it can be used for both short term acute cases of allergies like flea hypersensitivity or contact allergies or even flare ups in a longer term case, and it could also be used for long term treatment, as in chronic cases of atopy. What's really great about Zenrelia is that the dose has been optimized to allow for once daily dosing from the start, and this has some really clear advantages for both veterinarians and pet owners.

First of all, it's just simpler. So communicating once daily dosing from the beginning to a pet parent is easier than talking about having to do a dosing change partway through treatment.

Learn more about Zenrelia here.