Long term use of lokivetmab (Cytopoint®) in atopic dogs

Abstract Lokivetmab (Cytopoint®, Zoetis) has been shown to be effective for the short-term treatment of dogs with allergic and atopic dermatitis but there are no studies at US label dosing (at least 2 mg/kg every 4–8 weeks as necessary) which evaluate long-term usage. The objective of this study was to follow a cohort of dogs receiving lokivetmab to treat their canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) over 12 months. The initial phase of this interventional cohort study evaluated a dog’s pruritus following monthly injections (up to 3 injections) of lokivetmab. Dogs who achieved pruritus < 36 mm using a Pet Owner Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS) scoring system during the initial phase, were included in this study. Dogs received lokivetmab injections per the US label every 4–8 weeks and returned on days 180 and 365 (± 7 days) after their initial Day 0 for examination by investigators. Pet owners were asked to complete an electronic PVAS assessment every 2 weeks. At each visit, investigators completed a Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-4) score and VetVAS to measure skin lesion scores. There were 87% (64/75) of dogs who maintained a PVAS below their baseline PVAS on Day 0. Over the course of the study, 88% (65/75) of dogs obtained a mean PVAS below 36 mm. Of those dogs, 31% (23/75) achieved a biweekly PVAS that was below 36 for the entirety of the study with 11% (8/75) having a biweekly PVAS score that stayed below 20 (considered normal dog level of pruritus) for the entire study. Most owners (93%; 64/49) were satisfied with lokivetmab with 88% planning to continue lokivetmab usage. The majority (80%; 55/69) of pet owners reported they were able to reduce the use of other products while their dog was using lokivetmab, and 87% (60/69) of owners found caring for their dog’s atopic dermatitis was easier with lokivetmab compared to prior treatments.