Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Anti-nerve growth factor antibody improves joint pain and movement
By Gruen, M E et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2016·NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A Feline-Specific Anti-Nerve Growth Factor Antibody Improves Mobility in Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease-Associated Pain: A Pilot Proof of Concept Study.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 34 cats with joint pain and trouble moving due to degenerative joint disease (DJD) received a new treatment called NV-02, which is an antibody designed to relieve pain. After the treatment, many cats showed significant improvements in their activity levels and pain scores over six weeks, with no side effects reported. This suggests that NV-02 could be an effective option for helping cats with DJD-related pain and mobility issues.
People also search for: cat joint pain treatment · cat arthritis pain relief · NV-02 for cats · improving cat mobility · feline degenerative joint disease symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neutralizing antibodies against nerve growth factor (NGF) are analgesic in rodent models, naturally occurring degenerative joint disease (DJD) pain in dogs, and chronic pain in humans. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a fully felinized anti-NGF antibody (NV-02) for the treatment of DJD pain and mobility impairment in cats. ANIMALS: Thirty-four client-owned cats with DJD-associated pain and mobility impairment. METHODS: In a placebo-controlled, pilot, masked clinical study, cats were randomized to a single treatment with NV-02 (0.4 mg/kg SC [n = 11] or 0.8 mg/kg SC [n = 12]) or placebo (saline, SC [n = 11]). Activity was measured objectively. Additionally, owners completed clinical metrology instruments (client-specific outcome measures [CSOM] and feline musculoskeletal pain index [FMPI]) on days 0 (screening), 14 (baseline), 35, 56, and 77. A repeated-measures model was used to evaluate the objective activity data. RESULTS: NV-02 significantly increased objectively measured activity overall (P = .017) and at 2 (P = .035), 3 (P = .007), 4 (P = .006), 5 (P = .007), and 6 (P = .017) weeks after treatment. CSOM scores (P = .035) and pain (P = .024) showed a significant effect of treatment 3 weeks after administration. In the treatment group, 83% of the owners correctly identified the treatment administered compared with 45% of owners in the placebo group (P = .013). No treatment-related adverse effects were identified. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot data demonstrate a 6-week duration positive analgesic effect of this fully felinized anti-NGF antibody in cats suffering from DJD-associated pain.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27334504/