Deramaxx receives FDA approval for canine osteoarthritis

Deramaxx(tm) chewable tablets for dogs has a new label claim for the control of pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis (OA).The new indication was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermamaxx was initially approved last year as the first and only coxib-class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for dogs. As a coxib-class NSAID, Deramaxx is in the same class of NSAIDs that has dramatically changed human arthritis pain control, such as Celebrex(r) (celecoxib), Vioxx(r) (rofecoxib) and Bextra(r) (valdecoxib). A selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, Deramaxx uniquely targets the COX-2 enzyme, which is primarily responsible for inflammation and pain, the company says.At the same time, Deramaxx spares the activity of COX-1, the enzyme responsible for producing prostaglandins that maintain normal platelet function, protect gastric mucosa and regulate renal blood flow. This COX-2 selectivity information is based on in vitro studies using cloned canine cyclooxygenase.The clinical relevance of these in vitro findings is currently unknown."The practice of veterinary medicine today allows practitioners to apply the latest advances in disease therapies to their desire to provide compassionate solutions to patients in pain," says Steven Fox, MS, DVM, MBA, Ph.D., director of pain management, Novartis Animal Health."Deramaxx is the latest advancement in the control of canine osteoarthritis pain. Clinical studies demonstrate it controls OA pain quickly, effectively and safely."Beef-flavored, chewable Deramaxx tablets are administered orally.The recommended dosage and administration of Deramaxx for the control of OA pain and inflammation is 1 to 2 mg/kg body weight, administered once daily, as needed; the dosage for postoperative orthopedic pain is 3 to 4 mg/kg of body weight administered once daily for up to seven days. Available in 25- or 100-mg chewable tablets packaged in 30- or 90-count bottles, Deramaxx tablets are scored for accurate dosing.

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