Long-term lokivetmab treatment for itching in dogs with atopic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lokivetmab, a caninised monoclonal antibody against interleukin (IL)-31, is an effective treatment for the pruritus associated with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lokivetmab during long-term treatment defined as at least three consecutive lokivetmab injections in atopic dogs under field conditions. To assess individual factors influencing treatment outcome and adverse events. ANIMALS: 150 dogs with cAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs treated with lokivetmab were reviewed, and owners and/or veterinarians were contacted as needed for follow-up. A decrease of the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score by &#x2265;2 or a PVAS score&#x2009;&#x2264;2 after treatment was considered as treatment success. Logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of a variety of factors on outcome: type of cAD (food versus environment), age at first lokivetmab administration, disease chronicity, dosage and/or secondary infection. Any adverse event that occurred during the study period was recorded. RESULTS: Lokivetmab reduced the PVAS score with long-term use (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01); the success rate was 53 of 69 total dogs (77%). The probability of treatment failure decreased with increasing treatment duration. None of the factors investigated influenced the treatment outcome. Twelve dogs of 150 (8%) showed adverse events such as gastrointestinal signs or lethargy. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lokivetmab appears to be an effective and safe long-term anti-itch therapy for dogs with cAD.