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European study begins on Pfizer's new long-acting NSAID Trocoxil for canine osteoarthritis
In what it claims to be a European first, Pfizer Animal Health is conducting a major study using its innovative NSAID product, Trocoxil Chewable Tablets, in over 2,000 dogs. A single dose delivers continuous analgesia that lasts for a month.
Trocoxil, which contains the active mavacoxib, has already been granted a licence by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). The company says the imminent launch of this product promises to change the way vets treat canine osteoarthritis.
Pre-authorisation studies have already shown once-monthly administration to be at least as safe and effective as daily carprofen1. However, the innovative monthly dosing regimen represents such a big step from the currently used approach of daily NSAID dosing, that Pfizer decided to initiate the study before launching the product in order to closely monitor and manage its introduction to the veterinary market.
The post-approval, randomised, parallel group study is being conducted in more than 100 veterinary clinics throughout France, Germany and the UK. Each dog will receive up to six months of treatment, during which time it will be assessed every month by the veterinary surgeon.
Mavacoxib, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, has a unique pharmacological profile, which means that a single oral dose provides continuous pain relief for a whole month.
The last few years have seen a breakthrough in our understanding of the role of pain in diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Exposure to repeated pain stimuli is now known to result in sensitisation (‘wind-up') of the CNS, so that pain thresholds are lowered and more pain is experienced.
Evidence suggests that in osteoarthritis this pain ‘wind-up' may actually contribute to the progression of joint disease through a vicious cycle in which dogs in pain are reluctant to move. This in turn leads to muscle wasting, which reduces joint stability and thus promotes more pain.
As previously reported on vetpulse.tv, experts now believe that continuous NSAID treatment could be beneficial for dogs with OA because it breaks the pain sensitisation cycle and thus helps dogs to experience less pain. This in turn encourages greater mobility and a better quality of life for the pet, and gives the owner the reassurance that their pet is not suffering.
"This study will provide veterinary surgeons with an opportunity to experience the benefits of using Trocoxil to treat OA continuously over a period of months," said Jolian Howell, associate director of companion animal marketing for Pfizer." It will also give them the opportunity to assess the benefits this offers the owner."
1. Pfizer Study Number 5962C-85-05-307 and 5962C-85-04-289
What are your views on the availability of continuous pain relief using monthly administration of a palatable tablet?
Published: 17 Aug 2009
1 Comments
Tags: News, Products & Launches, Small animal
1 Comment
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Bob Trubshaw replied on 15 Sep 2009 at 10:26
My dog is taking part in this study; an old large male (15 yrs, 68 cm shoulder height) suffering from severe spondylosis. The Trocoxil regimen replaced daily doses of Rimadyl. Initial benefits were quickly noticeable; the downside was a 'trough' of diminishing effects in the fourth week of every month, followed by a rewind period in the first days following each now dose. This gap closed in the course of the fourth and fifth month, and now he enjoys stable pain relief throughout the month.
Conversely, the highly welcome depot effect would pose a problem should complications arise, but so far we're in luck. The program is ending now and I hope that there won't be a gap in the treatment.
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