Virbac launches liquid atopic dermatitis drug

Virbac has launched Cyclavance, the first FDA-approved liquid cyclosporine to treat dogs with atopic dermatitis. It’s a generic version of Elanco Animal Health’s Atopica cyclosporine capsules.

“Atopic dermatitis in dogs is a common chronic relapsing skin disease characterized by itchy and inflamed skin,” said Dr. Cristiano von Simson, marketing and veterinary services director at Virbac. “The condition can cause discomfort and pain in dogs and often requires lifelong management.”

According to Virbac, the oral solution has a 98% acceptance rate by dogs “when administered either directly in the mouth or mixed with a small amount of food.” The company says this is an advantage over the medication in its capsule form.

“The management of atopic dermatitis is complex and our thinking about it has evolved in recent years,” von Simson said. Guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals “acknowledge the importance of cyclosporine as part of a multimodal treatment approach—an approach that includes a plan for managing both inflammation and pruritus.”

The initial daily dosing of the medication, which is indicated for dogs weighing at least 4 pounds, is 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days.