Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced its latest entry into the rapidly growing canine dermatology space with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval of Befrena?? (tirnove??), a new anti-IL31 monoclonal antibody (mAb) injection targeting canine allergic and atopic dermatitis. Importantly, Befrena is recommended at a dosing interval of 6 to 8 weeks post-treatment, which stands in contrast to the 4 to 8 weeks of the current market competitor, lokive??.
USDA approval of Befrena further demonstrates Elanco's commitment to going beyond to deliver differentiated, high-quality products in every key therapeutic area, specifically bolstering its leadership in canine dermatology and monoclonal antibodies. Elanco continues to expect to launch Befrena in the first half of 2026. The approval of Befrena marks Elanco's second dermatology product approved in less than 18 months, as it joins Zenrelia??
(ilunocitinib tablets), an effective, convenient, and safe once-daily oral JAK inhibitor for control of itching and inflammation associated with skin allergies in dogs at least 12 months of age. In September, Elanco announced improvements to the U.S. Zenrelia label with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) including "the totality of evidence supports removal of the risk of fatal vaccine-induced disease from modified live virus vaccines from the labelingii." The label Boxed Warning continues to advise discontinuation of Zenrelia for at least 28 days to 3 months prior to vaccination and withholding Zenrelia for at least28 days after vaccination. Earlier this year Elanco launched the America's Itchy Dogs Report, a first-of-its-kind report highlighting the impact itch has on dogs, their owners, and veterinarians, and reveals stunning details on how severely dogs around the country are itching for relief and cost-effective, long-lasting solutions.
According to the report, 9 in 10 dogs in the U.S. are "itchy dogs" according to their pet owners, having experienced symptoms of itchiness at some point in the year. Pet owners typically try many at-home solutions before finally seeking veterinary care. On average, pet owners spend about $400 on over-the-counter remedies and wait six weeks before taking their pet to the veterinarian.
