A Feline‐Specific Anti‐Nerve Growth Factor Antibody Improves Mobility in Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease–Associated Pain: A Pilot Proof of Concept Study. (22nd June 2016) - Gruen, M.E.
Abstract : Background: Neutralizing antibodies against nerve growth factor (NGF) are analgesic in rodent models, naturally occurring degenerative joint disease (DJD) pain in dogs, and chronic pain in humans. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody (NV‐02) for the treatment of DJD pain and mobility impairment in cats. Animals: Thirty‐four client‐owned cats with DJD‐associated pain and mobility impairment. Methods: In a placebo‐controlled, pilot, masked clinical study, cats were randomized to a single treatment with NV‐02 (0.4 mg/kg SC [n = 11] or 0.8 mg/kg SC [n = 12]) or placebo (saline, SC [n = 11]). Activity was measured objectively. Additionally, owners completed clinical metrology instruments (client‐specific outcome measures [CSOM] and feline musculoskeletal pain index [FMPI]) on days 0 (screening), 14 (baseline), 35, 56, and 77. A repeated‐measures model was used to evaluate the objective activity data. Results: NV‐02 significantly increased objectively measured activity overall ( P = .017) and at 2 ( P = .035), 3 ( P = .007), 4 ( P = .006), 5 ( P = .007), and 6 ( P = .017) weeks after treatment. CSOM scores ( P = .035) and pain ( P = .024) showed a significant effect of treatment 3 weeks after administration. In the treatment group, 83% of the owners correctly identified the treatment administered compared with 45% of owners in the placebo group ( P = .013). No treatment‐related adverse effects were identified. Conclusions: These pilot data demonstrate a 6‐week duration positive analgesic effect of this fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody in cats suffering from DJD‐associated pain.