APOQUEL® from Zoetis is Now Available to Veterinarians in the United States and Europe

In January, Zoetis launched the first and only Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor for veterinary use in the United States and Europe.

APOQUEL® (tablets containing oclacitinb maleate) is now available to veterinarians for the control (US) or treatment (EU) of pruritus, or itching, associated with allergic dermatitis and the control (US) or treatment of clinical manifestations (EU) of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age (or not weighing less than 3 kg bodyweight in the EU). With APOQUEL, veterinarians now have a first-in-class treatment choice that targets the itch of allergic skin conditions at its source. Canine itching is among the most frequent complaints of pet owners, affecting about one in six dogs whose owners seek veterinary help. About half of all itchy dogs will have an underlying allergic skin condition where APOQUEL would be indicated.

“When a dog develops an itch related to an allergy, it can be life-disrupting for the dog and the entire family. After gaining five years of experience with APOQUEL through my involvement in clinical trials, I’ve learned firsthand the difference this treatment can make to a dog and its owners in stopping the itch, but without many of the side effects that are common with steroids,” said Thomas Lewis II, DVM, DACVD, practicing veterinary dermatologist at Dermatology for Animals in Gilbert, Arizona. He noted this has been the case even for those dogs that failed to respond to conventional therapies.

“Pet owners who complained that their dogs would wake them up in the middle of the night due to intense itch have told me that after treatment with APOQUEL, the household can sleep more peacefully,” Dr. Lewis said. “In my 28 years of practice, this is the most exciting new treatment for the management of itch associated with allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs, which can often be a challenging and complex condition to treat.”

APOQUEL provides a much-needed, new, targeted treatment choice for dogs that suffer from allergic skin conditions and affords the damaged skin an opportunity to heal, while allowing the veterinarian ample time to identify the underlying cause of a dog’s allergic disease. “[APOQUEL] will give me the time I need to find out what is causing the allergic dermatitis, to make a good diagnosis,” said Dr. Pascal Prélaud, a dermatology specialist from Paris who took part in the clinical development program of APOQUEL.

The development of APOQUEL is a prime example of how Zoetis focuses its research and development program on the real world challenges our veterinarian customers face and works to support them in ever better ways.

 “Zoetis is committed to providing treatments for conditions that affect the lives of pets and their owners who care for them,” said Dr. Michael Stegemann, senior director of Veterinary Research and Development at Zoetis. “APOQUEL is the culmination of more than a decade of dedication and ingenuity from Zoetis colleagues. We have been driven by our deep understanding of customers’ unmet needs, and our determination that we can make a difference to the quality of life of pets and their caregivers. APOQUEL, in my mind, epitomizes why we exist: to apply our expertise in science and innovation, and deliver solutions to our customers.”

Important Safety Information

APOQUEL® should not be used in dogs less than 12 months of age or in dogs with serious infections. APOQUEL may increase the susceptibility to infection and demodicosis and may exacerbate neoplastic conditions. APOQUEL has not been evaluated in combination with systemic immunosuppressive agents such as glucocorticoids or cyclosporine. APOQUEL should not be used in breeding dogs, or pregnant or lactating dogs. The most common side effects seen in dogs administered APOQUEL were vomiting and diarrhea. APOQUEL has been safely used in conjunction with other common medications including antibiotics and parasiticides and with vaccinations. For Full Prescribing Information (US) visit www.apoquel.com/Apoquel_PI.  For the Summary of Products Characteristics (EU), click here.