OKAVA’s Breakthrough Pilot Study on Canine Atopic Dermatitis Chosen for Oral Presentation at the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology

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

San Francisco, California – May 11, 2021 – OKAVA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical stage research and development company focused on diseases of aging in dogs and cats, is proud to is proud to announce that its recent pilot clinical study on atopic dermatitis in dogs has been selected for an oral presentation at the prestigious World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD). This notable event will take place in Boston, MA from July 25-29, 2024.

The pilot study, titled “Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis with modified release mycophenolate (OKV-1001): a case series “, explored groundbreaking treatment options for dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis that have not responded adequately to traditional therapies. This condition, which affects a significant number of dogs worldwide, can lead to chronic discomfort and impact the quality of life for both pets and their owners.

Key Highlights of the Study:

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of OKAVA’s novel treatment approach in managing atopic dermatitis in dogs with poor response to conventional treatments.
Methodology: This single-arm pilot study, modeled after a study in people with moderate-to-severe AD nonresponsive to standard therapy, followed dogs with poorly controlled AD for 56 days.
Results: Treatment with OKV-1001 resulted in improved disease control over a 56-day period. Relative to baseline, findings revealed significant improvement in skin lesion scores (CADESI-04) among treated dogs.

Dr. Domenico Santoro, DVM, MS, DrSc, PhD, the principal investigator of the study, will present the results during the oral presentation session on July 26th during the WCVD. “We are honored to have our research recognized at such a high level,” said Dr. Santoro. “This study underscores the need of advancing veterinary medicine and finding effective solutions for challenging conditions like atopic dermatitis in dogs.”

The selection for an oral presentation at the WCVD underscores the scientific and clinical relevance of OKAVA’s research efforts in veterinary dermatology. It also highlights the potential of OKV-1001 to fill the gaps left by conventional treatments in managing complex dermatological conditions in animals.

“We are thrilled to have our work showcased on an international stage,” said Michael Klotsman, CEO of OKAVA. “Our team has worked tirelessly to develop new, effective treatments for conditions that significantly affect the well-being of pets. This recognition motivates us to continue our mission of bringing validated biotechnological solutions available in people and tailoring those technologies for use in veterinary care.”

About the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD)

The WCVD is a globally renowned conference that brings together veterinarians, researchers, and experts in the field of veterinary dermatology to share the latest scientific discoveries and advancements. It serves as a platform for discussing critical issues, innovative treatments, and future directions in veterinary dermatology.

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