USDA provides conditional license for Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced it has received conditional license from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody. This historical approval marks the first, and currently only, approved therapeutic solution to treat canine parvovirus and the first monoclonal antibody for Elanco.

“Today’s announcement is a game changer for pet owners and veterinarians,” said Kristin Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in an organizational release.¹

“Parvovirus is an unpredictable disease that causes significant strain on pet owners and is labor intensive and stressful for shelters and veterinary clinic staff. It’s life-changing and industry-defining to be able to offer a proven solution to canine parvovirus that limits the need for hospitalization, reducing the impact this disease has on hundreds of thousands of dogs each year,' added Zersen, who recently presented a continuing education session about treatments for canine parovirus at the Directions in Veterinary Medicine symposium in Arlington, Virginia.

This new treatment will provide a less intensive and more effective solution compared to targeting the virus with a single dose efficacy and a strong safety profile in healthy dogs. According to the release,1 during the treatment efficacy study, Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody was proven to be effective in decreasing mortality associated with parvovirus. Within the study, the treated dogs also showed signs of faster times to resolutions of the most-adverse effect of parvovirus, including vomiting.

“Elanco is proud to bring to the market this first-in-class treatment that will help save puppy's lives, while alleviating the emotional and financial burden of both pet owners and veterinary care teams,” said Jeff Simmons, president, and CEO, Elanco.

“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,” he concluded.¹

The Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, pending individual state's approval, is set to ship in the coming weeks and will provide canine Parvovirus resources and education to pet parents, shelter owners, and veterinarians.

This article originally appeared on dvm360.

Reference

1. Elanco Announces Breakthrough Treatment for Deadly Canine Parvovirus. News releasee. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. May 2, 2023. Accessed May 2, 2023. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230427005591/en/Elanco-Announces-Breakthrough-Treatment-for-Deadly-Canine-Parvovirus