Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly disease that can kill young cats. In the past, there was no effective treatment, but now there are drugs that can treat – and even cure – FIP. Some of these drugs are available in other countries, but are not as easy to get in the United States. Because of that, research studies on the best treatments for FIP in the US have been limited. Happily, we have recieved generous funding from the UW-Madison Companion Animal Fund to investigate FIP treatment and are now enrolling cats suspected of, or newly diagnosed with, FIP for this study!
Our study is looking at a common treatment for FIP that is not officially approved, but still often used – an unlicensed version of a medication called GS-441524. UWVC is one of the only veterinary hospitals in the country currently able to offer an alternative, FDA-approved medication called remdesivir, as a safe, effective, in-hospital treatment for FIP. So, this study will also investigate if adding remdesivir at the beginning of treatment helps cure FIP in cats.
Because it is unethical to deny sick cats an approved treatment, this study is designed simply to watch and record what happens to cats getting treated for FIP. We will follow cats diagnosed with FIP for 6 months, comparing how well they do with or without the addition of remdesivir at the beginning of their treatment regimen. We will also check for any side effects or if the FIP comes back after the medications are finished. The results will help veterinarians to treat, and hopefully cure, cats with FIP in the United States.
For more information, or to enroll your cat or your patients, please see the UWVC Clinical Studies website and FIP study flyer.