Insights into Zenrelia’s effectiveness

Elanco Animal Health incorporated shared today first allergic canine patients who have been treated for atopic dermatitis successfully with ilunocitinib tablets (Zenrelia; Elanco).¹ Zenrelia, which received FDA approval in September 2024, is a once-daily Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used for controlling pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis for canine patients at least 12 months of age.²

“Our research shows that when pet owners see their dog at their worst levels of itch, they’re concerned, stressed, frustrated and anxious,” said Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation, in an organizational release.¹ “Pet owners shouldn’t allow allergic itch to disrupt zen for them or their pups. Zenrelia is designed to begin working from the very first dose and help get dogs back to normal.”

Current research

According to the release, Veterinary Dermatology, recently published a new study that described the findings of a clinical trial that was randomized and compared Zenrelia to the leading JAK inhibitor on the veterinary marketing, oclacitinib chewable tablets (Apoquel Chewable; Zoetis). The study contained 308 allergic dogs who each received oclacitnib (0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days; then once daily) or ilunocitinib (0.6–0.8 mg/kg once daily), for up to 112 days.3 The owners of the participating dogs then assessed skin lesions on their pets using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4^th interaction (CADESI-04).

“I’ve had the opportunity to use Zenrelia in my practice and it’s helped several of my patients get back to normal levels of itch,” explained Brittany Lancellotti, DVM, DACVD, a veterinary dermatologist at Veterinary Skin and Ear in Los Angeles, California.¹ “In the fight against allergic dermatitis, I’ve found that every dog is different - it’s great to have another effective treatment option in my toolbox.”

RELATED CONTENT: Answering commonly asked Zenrelia questions

Researchers found that the reduction in pruritus and CADESI-04 was similar for both groups from days 1-14. However, on days 28-112, Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) and CADESI-04 scores were significantly lower for ilunocitinib when compared to the oclacitinib. Also on days 28-112, a greater number of ilunocitinib-treated dogs achieved clinical remission of pruritus. The subjective assessment of overall response was better for the ilunocitinib on days 28-112, and both drugs demonstrated similar safety throughout the study.³

Faces of Zenrelia

Along with the recently published research, Elanco also shared some of the faces of canine patients who have had success with Zenrelia.

Hunter, a 8-year-old chocolate lab, from Ohio suffered from dermatitis most of his life, and his symptoms worsen as he aged, especially licking at his feet and lower logs. Cristy, his owner and a receptionist at a local veterinary clinic tried everything recommended by Hunter’s veterinarian, including injections 3-4 weeks, antihistamines, medicated shampoos and wipes, and even steroids in the times of the year when his condition would worsen. Despite this routine, his symptoms were never controlled.

“His back feet were pretty much naked up until his first joint and his front feet would be scabby and scaly from the constant licking,” Cristy said.¹ “It was really discouraging as his dog mom that I couldn’t do anything to help him. He’s so much more comfortable since being on Zenrelia. It’s such a relief that he has relief.”

Scrappy, a 9-year-old Yorkshire Terrier- Chihuahua mix, and his owner Lisa tried everything to give Scrappy some relief. His itching had gotten to the point where he was lost a significant amount of future, lost interest in going on walks and playing, and no one in the family was getting a good night sleep. After trying multiple options, Lisa tried Zenrelia and Scrapy’s itch level improved after 2 days. Lisa reported that Scrappy is happy, his fur has regrown, and he is taking long walks again.

“I was excited to get Trooper, Scrappy and some other patients started on Zenrelia as soon as it was available to order,” said Thomas Lewis, DVM, DACVD, veterinary dermatologist and founder of Dermatology for Animals, a group of veterinary dermatology clinics committed to caring for pets with allergies.¹ “Seeing these dogs get back to normal levels of itch and seeing the bond restored between the dog and pet parents is incredibly rewarding. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian and ask if Zenrelia is right for their dog.”

Veterinary professionals can learn more about Zenrelia on ZenreliaForVets.com

References

1. Meet the Faces of Zen: Elanco’s Zenrelia™ (ilunocitinib tablets) Helps Allergic Dogs Get Back to Normal. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. January 27, 2025. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://www.multivu.com/elanco/9235451-en-elanco-zenrelia-canine-dermatology
2. McCafferty C. Treatment for allergic skin conditions receives FDA approval. dvm360. September 19, 2024. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/zenrelia-receives-fda-approval
3. ‌Forster S, Boegel A, Despa S, Trout C, King S. Comparative efficacy and safety of ilunocitinib and oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. Published online January 6, 2025. doi:10.1111/vde.13319