Elanco’s New Treatment for Canine Atopic Dermatitis Wins USDA Approval
Elanco Animal Health has received USDA approval for a new treatment targeting allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs. The therapy, named Befrena, offers an alternative for pets suffering from persistent skin conditions. This follows a recent FDA approval for another of the company’s drugs in the same category.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) greenlit Befrena (tirnovetmab) injections for dogs with allergic and atopic dermatitis. The treatment is designed to be given every six to eight weeks after the initial dose.
Earlier, in September 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Elanco’s JAK inhibitor Zenrelia (ilunocitinib) for the same conditions. Both drugs aim to address chronic itching and inflammation in affected animals. Details about external support in developing Befrena remain unclear. The company has not disclosed whether a third-party firm contributed to the therapy’s creation.
Befrena now joins Zenrelia as an approved option for managing canine skin allergies. The USDA’s decision expands treatment choices for veterinarians and pet owners. Elanco’s two therapies target the same condition but differ in administration and mechanism.
