Speed of onset of a new chewable formulation of oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel (R)) in a canine model of IL-31-induced pruritus

Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel (R), Zoetis Inc.) is commonly used around the world for the control/treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and the control/treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. A new flavored chewable formulation of oclacitinib has been developed where more than 90% of doses offered to dogs were freely accepted when tested in clinical trials. The objective of this study was to determine whether the new chewable formulation of oclacitinib has a similar onset of anti-pruritic activity as the original oclacitinib film-coated tablets (FCT). Twenty-one laboratory beagle dogs were randomized to treatment and received placebo, 0.4-0.6 mg/kg oclacitinib FCT or 0.4-0.6 mg/kg flavored chewable oclacitinib tablet (n = 7/group). Efficacy was measured by assessing reduction in pruritus 1-3 h post-administration of treatments. Pruritus was induced by injecting canine IL-31, intravenously (2.5 mu g/kg), approximately 15 min prior to the pruritus observation window. Results from this study demonstrated both oclacitinib FCT and the flavored chewable oclacitinib tablet significantly reduced IL-31-induced pruritus within 1-3 h post-dosing compared to placebo (p = .0069 and .0113, respectively), suggesting the new formulation of oclacitinib chewable tablets works as quickly to reduce pruritus in dogs as the oclacitinib FCT.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine if a flavored chewable formulation of oclacitinib provides a similar onset of anti-pruritic activity as the original film-coated tablets. The results showed that the new chewable formulation effectively reduced IL-31-induced pruritus in dogs within 1-3 hours, comparable to the film-coated tablets.