FDA approves cosyntropin injection for use in canines

The FDA has approved the first cosyntropin indicated for canine diagnostic use. The approved cosyntropin injection (CosACTHen; Dechra) is indicated for the evaluation of adrenal function in dogs.¹

Cosyntropin injection aids the diagnosis, confirmation, and monitoring of Cushing disease and Addison disease. According to Dechra, a veterinary pharmaceutical company, the approved injection serves as an integral tool in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing and aims to provide veterinarians with confidence in assessing adrenocortical function and monitoring patients undergoing treatment with trilostane (Vetoryl; Dechra).¹

"We know how challenging endocrine diagnoses can be. With CosACTHen, veterinarians can now have the confidence of performing ACTH stimulation tests with the only FDA-approved cosyntropin designed specifically for canine patients," Jill Stohs, DVM, senior director of veterinary professional services and medical affairs for Dechra, said in a news release.¹ "That confidence doesn't stop at the clinic. It carries through to pet parents, who can feel reassured knowing their dog's diagnosis and monitoring are supported by the latest advancement in endocrine care."

Cosyntropin injection is available as a 0.25 mg/ml solution in 1 ml single-use vials that require refrigerated storage. It is administered with intravenous or intramuscular injection to measure baseline and poststimulation cortisol for assessing adrenal function, according to Dechra.¹

Adverse events reported post approval in foreign markets with cosyntropin injection include lethargy, anxiety, muscle tremor or weakness, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, injection site pain or bruising, lameness, and hypersensitivity reactions. The safety cosyntropin injection has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.¹

To support veterinarians, Dechra's veterinary technical services team is providing guidance, consultation, and other resources for ensuring best practices in endocrine diagnostics and patient care. "The commitment veterinary health care teams make to their patients drives Dechra's commitment to serving veterinarians. With CosACTHen, clinics now have the ability to utilize the latest advancement in diagnostic and monitoring protocols for Cushing and Addison cases," Stohs said.¹

Reference

Dechra announces FDA approval of CosACTHen (cosyntropin injection), the first and only cosyntropin approved specifically for canine patients. News release. Dechra. May 19, 2026. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://tinyurl.com/4ddnzpp3