Cytopoint

Cytopoint is a veterinary medicine used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs. Atopic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that is linked to allergy, often to things in the environment such as house dust mites and pollens. Once the dog’s skin becomes damaged by scratching and rubbing, secondary bacterial and yeast infections may develop as well. Cytopoint contains the active substance lokivetmab.

Cytopoint is available as a solution for injection that is injected under the skin once a month. The dose to be used depends on the weight of the dog being treated. Cytopoint starts to be effective within eight hours of injection and the effect lasts for up to 28 days. The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription.

For further information, see the package leaflet.

Lokivetmab is a monoclonal antibody (a type of protein) that recognises and attaches to interleukin-31, a protein that plays an important role in triggering atopic dermatitits in dogs. By blocking interleukin 31, lokivetmab reduces itchy skin and inflammation.

In a field study involving dogs with atopic dermatitis, 142 dogs received Cytopoint monthly for 3 months whilst 132 were treated with ciclosporin, another medicine approved for treating atopic dermatitis. Cytopoint was as effective as ciclosporin in treating itchy skin; after 28 days the pruritus score (measurement of itchiness) was reduced by 52% in dogs given Cytopoint and 44% in those given ciclosporin. Over the three months of the study pruritus score went down from a value of 74 at the start to 26 at the end in dogs given Cytopoint. In a follow up study, 81 dogs of the dogs continued Cytopoint treatment for a further six months and the itchy skin score went down further to 14.

The most common side effects with Cytopoint (which may affect up to 1 in 1,000 animals) are allergic reactions with swelling of the face and itchy rash.

Cytopoint must not be given to dogs weighing less than 3 kg. For the full list of restrictions and all side effects reported with Cytopoint, see the package leaflet.

Safety information has been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet for Cytopoint, including the appropriate precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and animal owners or keepers.

In case of accidental self-injection, medical advice should be sought immediately and the package leaflet or label shown to the doctor. Repeated accidental self-injection may cause an allergic reaction to the medicine.

The Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) concluded that Cytopoint’s benefits are greater than its risks and recommended that it be approved for use in the EU.

The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU for Cytopoint on 25 April 2017.

For more information about treatment with Cytopoint, animal owners or keepers should read the package leaflet or contact their veterinarian or pharmacist.