Canada allows access to anti-viral drugs for treating FIP
Canadian veterinarians now have access to the anti-viral drugs that have proven to be relatively effective in treating cats diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
The anti-viral medication, GS-441524, has shown an efficacy rate of over 80 per cent, but until recently, it was only available through the black market online. Its availability changed in February 2024 when Canadian veterinarians gained legal access to the anti-viral medication.
Through Canada’s Emergency Drug Release (EDR) program of the Veterinary Drugs Directorate, veterinarians may now request authorization to access unapproved drugs for emergency veterinary use — including the compounded remdesivir for injection (GS-441524 in tablet and liquid formulation).
One supplier for this anti-viral medication is Bova Special UK Ltd. — a company in the United Kingdom. Other drug products may be considered depending on the veterinarians’ need; it is the veterinarians’ responsibility to select the drug they want to request.
Veterinarians wishing to request access to these drugs must submit an EDR application with the following information to initiate the review process:
Allow for seven to 10 days to complete the EDR paperwork and to have the drug shipped from overseas. Cost for a 12-week course of therapy is approximately $3,000 (including shipping).
For further information, please contact Dr. Liz Snead (liz.snead@usask.ca; 306-966-2700) at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre. Click here to learn more about Snead's study targeting FIP in cats and call for participants.