Long term use of lokivetmab (Cytopoint®) in atopic dogs

Lokivetmab (Cytopoint®, Zoetis) has been shown to be effective for the short-term treatment of dogs with allergic and atopic dermatitis but there are no studies at US label dosing (at least 2 mg/kg every 4-8 weeks as necessary) which evaluate long-term usage. The objective of this study was to follow a cohort of dogs receiving lokivetmab to treat their canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) over 12 months. The initial phase of this interventional cohort study evaluated a dog's pruritus following monthly injections (up to 3 injections) of lokivetmab. Dogs who achieved pruritus < 36 mm using a Pet Owner Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS) scoring system during the initial phase, were included in this study. Dogs received lokivetmab injections per the US label every 4-8 weeks and returned on days 180 and 365 (± 7 days) after their initial Day 0 for examination by investigators. Pet owners were asked to complete an electronic PVAS assessment every 2 weeks. At each visit, investigators completed a Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-4) score and VetVAS to measure skin lesion scores. There were 87% (64/75) of dogs who maintained a PVAS below their baseline PVAS on Day 0. Over the course of the study, 88% (65/75) of dogs obtained a mean PVAS below 36 mm. Of those dogs, 31% (23/75) achieved a biweekly PVAS that was below 36 for the entirety of the study with 11% (8/75) having a biweekly PVAS score that stayed below 20 (considered normal dog level of pruritus) for the entire study. Most owners (93%; 64/49) were satisfied with lokivetmab with 88% planning to continue lokivetmab usage. The majority (80%; 55/69) of pet owners reported they were able to reduce the use of other products while their dog was using lokivetmab, and 87% (60/69) of owners found caring for their dog's atopic dermatitis was easier with lokivetmab compared to prior treatments.