The FDA approves Atopica, the first drug used to treat chronic allergic dermatitis in cats. Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., the drug’s manufacturer already produces a similar product used to treat dogs that have the skin disorder.
“Atopica for cats has the potential to change how our profession treats the itchy cat,” said Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS, MBA, Diplo. ACVD, who consults with Novartis and author of Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide 3rd edition. “For the first time, we have a safe, highly effective, approved treatment for cats with allergic dermatitis.”
Cat with allergic dermatitis experience constant itching, chewing, licking, skin lesions even hair loss. Atopica keeps the disease under control by targeting the cat’s immune cells such as the T- lymphocytes that play a role in an allergic reaction.
“Owners can expect to see results within the first four weeks,” says Novartis. The product also reduces skin lesions and 78 percent of cats were comfortable with their levels of grooming after six weeks of use. Atopica is expected to be available for cats in late 2011. For more information, go to www.us.atopica.com/.
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