Friends of the Riney Canine Health Center,
Thank you for joining our pack! I’m Brian Collins, an extension associate for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, and I’m pleased to share this month’s “From the Vet’s Desk” monthly health tip with our members.
What do seasonal allergies, osteoarthritis and parvovirus infection have in common? One thing is that they can all be treated with monoclonal antibodies. We hear about monoclonal antibodies in the news – but what are they? Antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) are proteins produced by B cells (a special type of white blood cell) in response to something foreign in the body. These foreign substances (antigens) are often those that cause infections such as bacteria, fungi and viruses but can also include things such as allergens (like pollen), toxins (like those involved with tetanus or botulism), and even venom (like that from a bee sting or snake bite). When B cells come into contact with these foreign invaders, they replicate and then start mass producing specific antibodies that can attach to the surface of the foreign antigen. Different B cells will produce different antibodies to the same antigen (called polyclonal antibodies). The antigen is then destroyed or removed by additional processes of the immune system.
Monoclonal antibodies arise when a particular B cell is cloned in a laboratory and then these cells all make the same kind of antibody. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the use of monoclonal antibodies in human medicine in 1986, and now there are over 100 different types available to treat cancer and other disorders. President Jimmy Carter’s melanoma was treated with monoclonal antibodies, and they have also been used for some people with certain strains of COVID-19.
The first monoclonal antibody product available for dogs was developed for treating allergies. Cytopoint (generic name: lokivetmab) is given by injection under the skin every 4 to 8 weeks based on the individual dog’s needs. It works by blocking a protein (specifically something known as a cytokine) called IL-31 that is responsible for sending a signal to the dog’s brain that results in itchiness. It can be effective as the only therapy for some dogs with the benefit of not having to remember to give another pill. For other dogs, it may be given in addition to other therapies to help keep them comfortable. While it can be very effective, it won’t reduce itching in all dogs.
The next veterinary monoclonal antibody on the scene for canines was Librela (generic name: bedinvetmab). It is used to treat dogs with pain from osteoarthritis. It works by blocking nerve growth factor (NGF), a molecule that has beneficial roles in the body but is found in higher amounts in arthritic joints and is involved with the regulation of pain. By binding NGF, both inflammation and pain are reduced. It is also given by injection under skin up to once monthly. It can be an effective option for some dogs alone or in combination with other treatments such as weight management, certain other pain medications, joint supplements and physical therapy. A similar product named Solensia (frunevetmab) is also available for use in cats with osteoarthritis.
The third and most recently approved monoclonal antibody available for dogs is used to treat parvoviral infections. Parvovirus is a very dangerous infectious disease that mostly affects puppies who are partially vaccinated, unvaccinated, and/or did not receive sufficient antibodies through ingestion of colostrum from their mother’s milk shortly after birth – but it can potentially affect dogs of any age who are inadequately vaccinated. The mortality rate is quite high without treatment, though the success rate increases with aggressive supportive care. Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is administered intravenously and is a great new tool to help hasten recovery and improve survival.
It’ll be a while before we catch up to the availability of monoclonal antibody therapies available in human medicine, but we are off to a strong start. The use of monoclonal antibodies is being studied for other conditions including kidney disease, heart disease, cancer and more.
As always, thank you for being a Riney Canine Health Center member. We look forward to catching up with you next month!
Dr. Brian Collins, D.V.M. ‘94extension veterinarian
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center