Prospective Evaluation of the Use of Lokivetmab in Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis in Brazil

Abstract

\n Background: Lokivetmab (Cytopoint®, Zoetis) is a caninized anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody licensed for treating clinical manifestations of canine atopic dermatitis in varying degrees of severity. The objective of this 30-day prospective study was to evaluate the level of improvement in cases of atopic dermatitis after the application of lokivetmab, using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-4) variables, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pruritus, owner assessment of the condition, and incidence of adverse events. A total of 110 animals recruited from two private clinics in the State of São Paulo each received 2 mg of lokivetmab/kg of body weight by subcutaneous injection on day 0. Dogs were observed by owners who provided reports of their observations by telephone or e-mail on days 2 and 14 and were observed by clinicians on day 30. Results: Baseline mean VAS of pruritus was 7.68 (median = 7), decreasing to 3.82 (median = 2) by day 2 (P<0.001). CADESI-4 variables decreased from 36.5 at baseline to 16.3 on day 30 (P<0.001). Reports of treatment responses submitted by owners and evaluation of CADESI-4 variables after treatment were significantly similar (P<0.001). Owners rated the response to treatment as good to excellent for 75% of the dogs. Adverse events, including vomiting, diarrhea, and/or lethargy, were observed in 18 dogs (16.4%). All events were transient, and none required treatment. Conclusions: Based on findings in this study, lokivetmab was determined to provide a rapid and effective response for control of canine atopic dermatitis. Lokivetmab was well tolerated with only mild and transient adverse events observed.