To Treat a Deadly Feline Coronavirus Disease, Clinical Trials have been launched by UC Davis

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FIP is a severe disease caused by a feline coronavirus variant, though not the one that causes COVID-19. The virus will spread through a cat's body, causing systemic inflammation. Up to 95% of cats diagnosed with FIP die without treatment. Cats can develop FIP at any age, but it is usually diagnosed in cats between 6 months and two years. It is one of the most common causes of death in young cats with infectious diseases. Currently, no successful treatment is approved for veterinarians in the United States.



Trials will examine antiviral drugs, stem cell therapy

One trial will compare whether cats improve when treated with one of two closely related antiviral drugs. The first drug, remdesivir, is an antiviral drug with emergency authorization from the FDA to treat COVID-19. The second drug, GS-441524, is closely related to remdesivir. Pedersen found it safe and effective in treating cats with FIP.



The other trial will examine if antiviral drugs combined with a new stem cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, improve response to treatment for FIP. The study aims to see if cell therapy can direct a more effective antiviral immune response and help regenerate the cat's compromised immune system post-infection. For this study, one group will receive antiviral drugs along with infusions of MSCs, and the other will receive antiviral drugs and placebo infusions.

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FIP guidelines offer hope for quick diagnosis:

Oriental Shorthair with anterior uveitis, and corneal edema due to the development of glaucoma.

Courtesy of Lisa Callaway

"First recognized over 50 years ago, feline infectious peritonitis has been one of the most important infectious diseases and causes of death in cats, especially affecting young cats less than two years old," said Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Task Force Co-Chair. "Further, FIP can be challenging to diagnose in some cases and is often considered an enigma by the veterinary profession. Today, diagnosis relies upon evidence from signalment, history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic testing. The 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines serve as a critical resource for veterinary practitioners diagnosing FIP in their cat patients."



Given the fact that FIP is fatal when untreated and nearly every small animal veterinary practitioner will see FIP cases, the ability to obtain a correct diagnosis is critical. FIP can be challenging to diagnose due to the lack of clinical signs or laboratory changes, especially when no physical symptoms are present.



The 2022 AAFP / EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines will provide veterinarians with essential information to assist their ability to recognize cats presenting with FIP. The guidelines have been published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.