USDA licenses longer-acting monoclonal antibody for canine allergic dermatitis

The USDA has licensed Cytopoint Plus (Zoetis), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the treatment of allergic dermatitis in dogs that is administered every 75 days, Zoetis announced November 11, 2026.¹

The 75-day interval is the longest of any licensed mAb for canine allergic dermatitis, according to Zoetis.¹ The company's original anti–interleukin 31 (IL-31) mAb, lokivetmab (Cytopoint), is given every 4 to 8 weeks.¹

What the license covers

Cytopoint Plus was developed from Cytopoint with an enhanced duration of action and works the same way, by targeting and neutralizing IL-31, according to the release.¹ A veterinary health professional administers it subcutaneously every 75 days as needed. Zoetis said the product starts relieving allergic itch within 1 day.¹

In the studies supporting licensure, Cytopoint Plus demonstrated efficacy through day 75 and had a safety profile similar to that of Cytopoint, according to Zoetis. Reduced itch scores compared with controls were observed through day 90 in some dogs.¹ The release attributes those findings to company data on file and directs readers to the USDA's product data site for efficacy and safety information.¹

The labeled indications differ. Cytopoint Plus is indicated for the treatment of dogs experiencing allergic dermatitis, whereas the Cytopoint indication covers both allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.¹

The case for a longer interval

Zoetis said the longer interval addresses treatment adherence. According to the company, frequent clinic visits for injectable therapies may result in missed appointments, missed doses, and preventable flare-ups.¹

Lindsay McKay, DVM, DACVD, of Animal Dermatology Group, said in the release that frequent visits can create scheduling hurdles for clients, which may contribute to missed treatments.¹

Cost is another consideration, particularly for owners of larger dogs, according to Tiffany Tapp, DVM, DACVD, of Veterinary Healing Arts. Tapp said in the release that a longer gap between injections may make ongoing care more manageable and potentially more affordable for some families. She described the product as "another option to consider when developing an individualized treatment plan."¹

Where it fits

The license follows another recent regulatory decision for a Zoetis product used in canine skin disease. The FDA announced October 20, 2026, that it had approved a ready-to-use, higher-concentration cefovecin injectable suspension (Convenia RTU for Dogs) for secondary superficial pyoderma, abscesses, and wounds in dogs caused by susceptible strains of 2 bacterial species, as dvm360 reported.²

The license also arrives weeks after the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals published its first major update to canine atopic dermatitis treatment recommendations since 2015.³

As dvm360 reported, the updated guidelines gave lokivetmab, the original Cytopoint, an A-level recommendation for flares and maintenance, especially in dogs whose primary problem is pruritus.³ The guideline authors described lokivetmab's activity as likely narrow spectrum and noted that dogs with chronic lesions, otitis, or pododermatitis will benefit from additional therapy.³ The guidelines were published before the Cytopoint Plus license was announced.^1,3

References

1. Zoetis receives USDA license for Cytopoint Plus: the first and only long-acting monoclonal antibody providing 75 days of allergic itch relief in dogs with allergic dermatitis. News release. Zoetis. November 11, 2026. Accessed November 11, 2026. https://news.zoetis.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Zoetis-Receives-USDA-License-for-Cytopoint-Plus-The-First-and-Only-Long-Acting-Monoclonal-Antibody-Providing-75-Days-of-Allergic-Itch-Relief-in-Dogs-with-Allergic-Dermatitis/default.aspx
2. Louis J. Higher-concentration cefovecin approved by FDA for certain skin infections in dogs. dvm360. October 20, 2026. Accessed November 11, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/higher-concentration-cefovecin-approved-by-fda-for-certain-skin-infections-in-dogs
3. Bautista-Alejandre A. Canine atopic dermatitis treatment guidelines updated for first time since 2015: what to know. dvm360. November 3, 2026. Accessed November 11, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/canine-atopic-dermatitis-treatment-guidelines-updated-for-first-time-since-2015-what-to-know