Elanco has announced a breakthrough targeted single-dose monoclonal antibody treatment for the deadly canine parvovirus in the US.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided a conditional license for the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, which is the first and only approved therapeutic solution proven to treat the deadly disease.
Canine parvovirus is one of the most contagious and deadly viruses a dog can contract with a 91 per cent mortality rate if not treated with supportive care1. The treatment is the first monoclonal antibody for Elanco, an important innovation platform for the company.
With an estimated 330,000 cases of canine parvovirus available for treatment in the US annually2, clinical trials demonstrate that the clinical trials demonstrate that the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody single, intravenous dose delivers targeted efficacy in treating this deadly disease.
The treatment can be administered to dogs eight weeks of age or older with canine parvovirus. The Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody treatment may provide a less intensive and more effective solution than supportive care alone by targeting the virus with single dose efficacy and a strong safety profile in healthy dogs.
Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco, said the business is proud to bring to market this first-in-class treatment that will help save puppies lives, while alleviating the emotional and financial burden of both pet owners and veterinary care teams.
“We’re excited to bring our first monoclonal antibody treatment to market, reinforcing Elanco’s commitment to pioneer new tools in spaces where there aren’t existing options. We’re committed to helping the world’s pets live longer, healthier lives because we believe making life better for our pets makes life better.”
Dr. Kristin Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, said the treatment will be a game changer for pet owners and veterinarians.
“Parvovirus is an unpredictable disease that causes significant strain on pet owners and is labour intensive and stressful for shelters and veterinary clinic staff. It’s lifechanging and industry-defining to be able to offer a proven solution to canine parvovirus that limits the need for hospitalisation, reducing the impact this disease has on hundreds of thousands of dogs each year.”
In the treatment efficacy study, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody was proven effective in decreasing mortality associated with parvovirus infection3. Treated dogs also had significantly faster times to resolution of the most-adverse effects of parvovirus including vomiting4, meaning that they feel better faster and get home sooner.
Prior to Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, the only treatment for the highly contagious canine parvovirus was supportive therapy, which can consist of 24/7 care, multi-day hospitalisation and emotional stress for the staff and pet owner with no guaranteed outcome and potentially high pet owner costs.
In conjunction with its portfolio of innovative solutions, this announcement establishes Elanco’s presence in the monoclonal antibody space and reinforces its commitment to helping pets live longer, healthier lives through its portfolio of innovative solutions.
1Venn, E.C. et al. Evaluation of an outpatient protocol in the treatment of canine parvoviral enteritis. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 27(1) 2017, 52-65. doi: 10.1111/vec.12561.
2Elanco Animal Health. Data on File. VetSuccess Parvovirus Incidence Analysis
3Elanco Animal Health. Data on File.
4Elanco Animal Health. Data on File.
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