USDA licenses Cytopoint Plus, a 75-day anti-IL-31 injection for allergic dogs

Zoetis said itch relief starts within 1 day. In the studies supporting licensure, the company said, the product worked through day 75 and its safety profile was similar to Cytopoint's. Some dogs still had lower itch scores than controls at day 90.

These findings come from company data on file. Zoetis points clinicians to the USDA's product data site for full efficacy and safety information.

The two labels are not the same. Cytopoint Plus is indicated for allergic dermatitis. The original Cytopoint covers both allergic and atopic dermatitis.

Zoetis frames the longer interval as a way to improve adherence. The company says frequent injection visits can lead to missed appointments, skipped doses, and flares that could have been avoided. A board-certified dermatologist quoted in the release said scheduling is a real barrier for many clients.

A second dermatologist pointed to cost, especially for owners of large dogs. She said fewer injections could make ongoing care easier to manage and possibly cheaper for some families.

The license comes a few weeks after the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals updated its canine atopic dermatitis treatment guidelines for the first time since 2015. According to dvm360, the update gave the original lokivetmab an A-level recommendation for both flares and maintenance, particularly in dogs whose main problem is itch.

The guideline authors called lokivetmab's effect likely narrow-spectrum. They said dogs with chronic lesions, otitis, or pododermatitis will benefit from added therapy. The guidelines came out before Cytopoint Plus was licensed, so they do not address it.