Open AccessA Feline‐Specific Anti‐Nerve Growth Factor Antibody Improves Mobility in Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease–Associated Pain: A Pilot Proof of Concept Study
Author(s) -
Gruen M.E.,
Thomson A.E.,
Griffith E.H.,
Paradise H.,
Gearing D.P.,
Lascelles B.D.X.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.13972
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , analgesic , joint disease , cats , adverse effect , nerve growth factor , clinical trial , joint pain , anesthesia , chronic pain , physical therapy , osteoarthritis , pathology , alternative medicine , receptor
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.