Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ilunocitinib controls itching and skin lesions in dogs with atopic
By Forster, Sophie et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2025·Elanco Animal Health Ltd, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Efficacy and field safety of ilunocitinib for the control of atopic dermatitis in client-owned dogs: A multicentre, double-masked, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 268 dogs with atopic dermatitis (a skin condition causing itching and lesions) participated in a study to test a new medication called ilunocitinib. After 28 days of treatment, 83% of the dogs taking ilunocitinib showed significant improvement in their itching and skin issues, compared to only 31% of those receiving a placebo. The treatment was well tolerated, and many dogs achieved clinical remission, meaning their symptoms were greatly reduced or resolved. This suggests that ilunocitinib is a promising option for managing atopic dermatitis in dogs.
People also search for: dog itching treatment · atopic dermatitis in dogs · ilunocitinib for dog skin problems
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inhibition of the Janus kinase (JAK) pathway is a well-established option for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ilunocitinib, a novel JAK inhibitor for the control of pruritus and skin lesions in client-owned dogs with cAD. ANIMALS: Two hundred sixty-eight dogs at 25 veterinary clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomised, double-masked, clinical trial, dogs received either ilunocitinib (n = 181; 0.6-0.8 mg/kg) or placebo (n = 87; 0.0 mg/kg) tablets once daily for 112 days. Pruritus was assessed by owners using a pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), while skin lesions were assessed by Investigators using the cAD Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04). Treatment success was defined as ≥50% reduction from baseline PVAS or CADESI-04 score on Day (D)28. Proportions of dogs achieving clinical remission from pruritus (PVAS < 2) or skin lesions (CADESI-04 < 10) also were assessed. RESULTS: At D28, 83% of ilunocitinib-treated dogs achieved treatment success compared to 31% of placebo-treated dogs (p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of ilunocitinib-treated dogs achieved ≥50% reduction in CADESI-04 scores at all time points (p < 0.001). The proportion of dogs achieving clinical remission PVAS or CADESI-04 scores was significantly higher in the ilunocitinib group starting on D7 and D14, respectively (p < 0.05). The 112-day ilunocitinib treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Once daily ilunocitinib was well-tolerated and effective at rapidly reducing pruritus and resolving cAD-associated skin lesions. Clinical remission was achieved by two-thirds of dogs after 4 months of treatment. Ilunocitinib is safe and effective for managing clinical signs associated with cAD.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40302160/