Zoetis receives conditional license for atopic dermatitis immunotherapeutic

Zoetis recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the company a conditional license for Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic, an antibody therapy designed to reduce clinical signs associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs.

This new therapy contains an antibody that targets and neutralizes interleukin-31 (IL-31), a key protein responsible for sending the itch signal to the brain, according to a release from Zoetis. It will be administered as a once-monthly subcutaneous injection and will help provide sustained relief from the itching associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs of any age.

“We have been active in building a research platform in monoclonal antibodies that will have a broad application across species and medical conditions,” says Catherine Knupp, president of research and development at Zoetis. “This first product from that platform builds on our knowledge base in the area of canine dermatology and further reinforces our dedication to developing innovative dermatology solutions.”

The USDA has communicated that all biological products for canine atopic dermatitis will be considered for conditional licensure only at this time. Zoetis is working with the USDA to obtain full licensure.

Zoetis will make Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic available primarily to veterinary dermatology specialists early in the fourth quarter of 2015 to gain more experience and acquire a deeper understanding of how veterinarians will use it in clinical practice. This will help the company prepare for full licensure.