PRODUCT NEWS: Aratana Brings Canine Appetite Stimulant to US Market

Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETX) has announced that it is making Entyce (capromorelin oral solution) commercially available to veterinarians in the United States.

Entyce, a first-in-class ghrelin receptor agonist, stimulates appetite by mimicking the effect of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Like ghrelin that occurs naturally in the body, Entyce binds to specific receptors in the hypothalamus to cause the feeling of hunger.

"We know improper food intake inhibits the overall health of the dog and has a negative impact on a dog's quality of life. Nutrition is so imperative, veterinarians and pet owners often use appetite as a fifth vital sign and go to great lengths to address inappetence," explained Ernst Heinen, DVM, PhD, chief development officer of Aratana Therapeutics. "Entyce was developed specifically to stimulate appetite and provides the first therapeutic based on the natural physiology of appetite."

Inappetence, which may manifest as decreased appetite, complete lack of appetite, or altered eating patterns, affects millions of dogs in the United States each year. Signs of the condition, which has many possible causes, may include weight loss, muscle wasting, lip smacking, or a change from normal behavior.

According to a company press release, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) recently approved Aratana’s prior-approval supplement for the transfer and scale-up of manufacturing, and veterinarians may now order Entyce through an Aratana therapeutic specialist or their preferred distributor partner. Shipments are expected to commence by the end of October.

Entyce, which is available as a once-daily, flavored oral solution in 10-, 15-, and 30-mL bottles, is for use in dogs only. Adverse reactions in dogs may include diarrhea, vomiting, polydipsia, and hypersalivation. Please see the full Prescribing Information for more detail.