On May 2, 2023, Elanco Animal Health announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had provided a conditional license for the first Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody. This was the first and only approved therapeutic solution proven to treat canine parvovirus – one of the most contagious and deadly viruses a dog can contract with a 91% mortality rate if not treated with supportive carei. The treatment was the first monoclonal antibody for Elanco, an important innovation platform for the company.

With an estimated 330,000 cases of canine parvovirus available for treatment in the U.S. annually, clinical trials demonstrate that the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody single, intravenous dose delivers targeted efficacy in treating this deadly disease. The treatment can be administered to dogs eight weeks of age or older with canine parvovirus. The Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody treatment may provide a less intensive and more effective solution than supportive care alone by targeting the virus with single dose efficacy and a strong safety profile in healthy dogs.

The Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody was expected to begin shipping in the coming weeks, pending individual state approvals. Elanco also continued to provide canine parvovirus education and resources to veterinarians, shelter owners and pet parents.

The conditional license approval—granted by the USDA to effectively and safely meet an emergency situation, limited market or special circumstance—of the first-ever targeted monoclonal antibody treatment for canine parvovirus bridges Elanco’s expertise in both therapeutics and vaccines. In the treatment efficacy study, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody was proven effective in decreasing mortality associated with parvovirus infection. Treated dogs also had significantly faster times to resolution of the most-adverse effects of parvovirus including vomiting^iv, meaning that they feel better faster and get home sooner.

Prior to Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, the only treatment for the highly contagious canine parvovirus was supportive therapy, which can consist of 24/7 care, multi-day hospitalization and emotional stress for the staff and pet owner with no guaranteed outcome and potentially high pet owner costs. In conjunction with its portfolio of innovative solutions, this announcement establishes Elanco’s presence in the monoclonal antibody space and reinforces its commitment to helping pets live longer, healthier lives through its portfolio of innovative solutions.