OKAVA Announces Publication of Groundbreaking Pilot Study on Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Study Offers New Hope for Canine Patients Poorly Controlled with Conventional Treatments

San Francisco, California – June 21, 2024 – OKAVA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical stage research and development company focused on diseases of aging in dogs and cats, is proud to announce the publication of a pilot clinical study in Veterinary Dermatology, the journal published on behalf of The European Society of Veterinary Dermatology and American College of Veterinary Dermatology. The study investigates a novel therapeutic approach to managing atopic dermatitis in dogs that have not responded adequately to conventional treatments.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects a significant number of dogs worldwide. Despite the availability of various treatment options, many dogs continue to suffer from persistent symptoms, significantly impacting their quality of life. OKAVA’s latest research offers promising new insights into addressing this challenge.

The pilot study, titled “Treatment of moderate-to-severe canine atopic dermatitis with modified release mycophenolate (OKV-1001): a pilot open-label, single-arm multicentric clinical trial,” evaluates the efficacy and safety of OKV-1001 in a cohort of dogs with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Conducted under the guidance of leading veterinary dermatologists, the study’s results demonstrate mycophenolate may represent a promising alternative treatment option for moderate-severe AD.

“Our team is thrilled to share these findings with the veterinary community and pet owners alike,” said Michael Klotsman, CEO of OKAVA. “We believe this study represents a significant step forward in our mission to improve the lives of pets suffering from chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis.”

Key Highlights of the Study:

Patient Population: The study involved dogs with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis unresponsive to standard therapies.
Intervention: OKV-1001 is a novel, patented, once-daily modified release formulation of mycophenolate.
Results: Treatment with OKV-1001 significantly reduced the severity of AD. In this sample, the mean percentage change from baseline in skin lesion scores (CADESI-04) declined by 39% and 49% Day 28 and 56, respectively.
Safety Profile: No adverse events, nor abnormalities in blood values were observed in any dogs enrolled..

OKAVA’s innovative approach is part of a broader commitment to developing advanced solutions that address unmet needs in veterinary medicine. This study is the first in a series of planned clinical trials aimed at evaluating the potential of OKV-1001.

About Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory skin disease, is the number one reason for veterinary visits in the US. AD is characterized by excessive itchiness (pruritis), and it may affect as much as 10-15% of the dog population. It is caused by a reaction to substances in the environment known as allergens, and it’s a lifelong condition. Canine AD often requires long-term management and can significantly affect the wellbeing of affected dogs. Despite existing therapies, many dogs experience inadequate control of their symptoms. Canine AD is a $1.5B+ market that is rapidly expanding and expected to exceed $2B by the early 2030’s.

About OKV-1001

OKV-1001, a patented modified-release mycophenolate formulation, is the first-ever product candidate to leverage advanced drug delivery technologies to meet the unique needs of dogs. OKV-1001 is a MUMS-designated product that is under development for immune-mediated inflammatory conditions. In people, mycophenolate is an FDA-approved medicine used across a host of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including atopic dermatitis, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and lupus.

OKAVA’s proprietary OKV-1001 formulation is a once-daily oral product designed to unlock the therapeutic potential of mycophenolate by improving the ease-of-use, safety, and efficacy of this drug.

About OKAVA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. OKAVA is a clinical-stage research and development company that develops new treatment options for dogs and cats suffering from chronic diseases of aging. OKAVA is building a portfolio of products to transform and humanize standards of care in veterinary medicine. By harnessing human technologies for the treatment of common diseases in household pets, the company has the potential of increasing the lifespans of dogs and cats by an average of 1 to 3 years. OKAVA is a private company headquartered in San Francisco, California. For more information, see OKAVA.com.

For More Information:
Michael Klotsman, PhD, MBA Chief Executive Officer at OKAVA
Phone: 415.818.1808