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Safety of masitinib mesylate in healthy cats
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. mdaly@cvm.tamu.edu
Background:
Masitinib mesylate is a PO-administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed both for human and animal diseases with activity against both mutated and wild type forms of the c-kit receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors α and β, and is currently registered in Europe for the treatment of mast cell tumors in dogs.
Hypothesis/Objectives:
The objective of this study was to determine if healthy cats can tolerate administration of masitinib without clinically relevant adverse effects.
Animals:
Twenty healthy research colony-specific pathogen-free cats.
Methods:
This study was a prospective, randomized phase 1 clinical trial. Masitinib was administered PO to 20 healthy cats. Ten cats received 50 mg masitinib every other day for 4 weeks, and 10 cats received 50 mg masitinib daily for 4 weeks.
Results:
Clinically relevant proteinuria was noted in 2/20 (10%) cats (both treated daily), and neutropenia was noted in 3/20 (15%) (seen in both treatment groups). An increase in serum creatinine concentration and adverse gastrointestinal effects were noted in some cats.
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
Masitinib mesylate was tolerated in the majority of cats. Long-term administration and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to further assess the use of masitinib in cats.
Insights
Masitinib mesylate was generally well-tolerated in healthy cats, though some experienced proteinuria and neutropenia. Further studies are needed to assess long-term use and pharmacokinetics of this tyrosine kinase inhibitor in feline patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Masitinib mesylate is an orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
- It targets c-kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptors.
- Currently approved in Europe for canine mast cell tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the tolerability of masitinib mesylate in healthy cats.
- To identify potential adverse effects of masitinib administration in felines.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized phase 1 clinical trial.
- Twenty healthy cats received masitinib orally for 4 weeks.
- Dosage groups: 50 mg every other day or 50 mg daily.
Main Results:
- Clinically relevant proteinuria occurred in 10% of cats (daily dose group).
- Neutropenia was observed in 15% of cats across both groups.
- Increased serum creatinine and gastrointestinal effects were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Masitinib mesylate was tolerated by most healthy cats.
- Long-term administration and pharmacokinetic data are required.
- Further research is necessary to establish masitinib's safety and efficacy in cats.
