Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Frunevetmab antibody helps relieve chronic joint pain in cats safely
By Gruen, Margaret E et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2021·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-nerve Growth Factor Antibody (Frunevetmab) for the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease-Associated Chronic Pain in Cats: A Multisite Pilot Field Study.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 126 cats with chronic pain from degenerative joint disease (DJD) received an injection of a new pain medication called frunevetmab or a placebo to see which worked better. Owners reported that the cats treated with frunevetmab showed significant improvements in mobility and activity levels compared to those that received the placebo. While both groups had some decrease in activity, the frunevetmab group had a much smaller decline. Most cats tolerated the treatment well, although some experienced minor skin issues related to their activity-monitor collars. Overall, frunevetmab appears to be a promising option for managing chronic pain in cats.
People also search for: cat joint pain treatment · frunevetmab for cats · cat arthritis pain relief
Abstract
Pain management for cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD) remains a critical unmet need. Recent work has shown promise for a feline-specific anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody (frunevetmab) to deliver safe and effective pain management. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of frunevetmab administered twice using two administration routes (subcutaneous and intravenous) compared to placebo.This was a randomized placebo-controlled, double-masked study. After a week-long pain and activity baseline, 126 cats were randomized to receive injections of frunevetmab (IV then SC;= 42 or SC then SC;= 43) or placebo (IV then SC;= 41) on Days 0 and 28. Owners completed questionnaires on Days 14, 28, 42, and 56. Accelerometry data were collected continuously throughout.Owner questionnaire results showed significant improvement in frunevetmab-treated cats [compared to placebo; (< 0.05)] at Days 42 and 56; no difference was found between routes of administration for frunevetmab. All groups had decreased objectively measured weekly activity from baseline; frunevetmab-treated cats had a mean decrease of 0.9%, while placebo-treated cats had a mean decrease of 9.3%. Treatments were generally well-tolerated. The majority of adverse events included dermatitis/alopecia related to activity-monitor collars; these occurred in a higher percentage of frunevetmab, compared to placebo, treated cats.Treatment with frunevetmab provided improvements in owner ratings of mobility over treatment with placebo; these results were supported by objectively measured accelerometry. Frunevetmab has the potential to address a critical gap in the treatment of chronic pain in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34124212/