Cytopoint

Cytopoint is available as a solution 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 more information about using Cytopoint, see the package leaflet or contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

The active substance in Cytopoint, 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 dermatitis in dogs. By attaching to and blocking the action of 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 of the dogs continued Cytopoint treatment for a further six months and the itchy skin score went down further to 14.

In a field study involving 123 dogs with allergic dermatitis, 61 dogs received one injection of Cytopoint whilst 62 received one injection of saline as control. After 28 days the pruritus score was reduced by around 58% in dogs given Cytopoint and around 22% in those given saline solution.

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 side effects of 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 European Medicines Agency decided that Cytopoint’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be authorised for use in the EU.

Cytopoint received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 25 April 2017.