Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dirlotapide for treating obesity in dogs and how it works
By Wren, J A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics·2007·Pfizer Inc, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dirlotapide: a review of its properties and role in the management of obesity in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog struggling with obesity may benefit from a medication called dirlotapide, which helps reduce weight by decreasing fat absorption and lowering food intake. This drug works by targeting specific proteins in the intestines, leading to less fat being absorbed from food and making the dog feel fuller. The initial dose is based on the dog's weight and can be adjusted over time, with careful monitoring to ensure the dog is losing weight safely. Dirlotapide can be used alongside the dog's regular diet and exercise routine, making it a helpful option for pets that haven't lost weight with diet changes alone.
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Abstract
Dirlotapide is a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor developed specifically for canine weight reduction. MTP catalyzes the assembly of triglyceride-rich apolipoprotein-B containing lipoproteins to form chylomicrons in the intestinal mucosa and very low-density lipoproteins in the liver. Following oral administration, dirlotapide has in vivo selectivity for intestinal MTP compared with hepatic MTP. In addition to reducing intestinal fat absorption, dirlotapide also reduces food intake in a dose-dependent manner, probably via increased release of peptide YY into the circulation. The decrease in food intake is responsible for the majority of the weight reduction effect. In clinical use, it is recommended to adjust the dose according to the observed weight loss of each individual. The initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg is doubled after 14 days and then adjusted monthly, the maximum permitted daily dose is 1.0 mg/kg, although doses as high as 10 mg/kg have been administered to dogs without severe adverse experience in safety studies. Dirlotapide can be used without necessitating changes to the current feeding or exercise regimens, but it is desirable to monitor the food intake during weight-stabilization to establish revised feeding and exercise routines that will minimize the risk of weight regain post-treatment. The drug offers a novel approach that is applicable in cases where dietary management alone has proved to be unsuccessful.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17567510/