A Feline‐Specific Anti‐Nerve Growth Factor Antibody Improves Mobility in Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease–Associated Pain: A Pilot Proof of Concept Study

Background Neutralizing antibodies against nerve growth factor (NGF) are analgesic in rodent models, naturally occurring degenerative joint disease (DJD) pain in dogs, and chronic pain in humans. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody (NV‐02) for the treatment of DJD pain and mobility impairment in cats. Animals Thirty‐four client‐owned cats with DJD‐associated pain and mobility impairment. Methods In a placebo‐controlled, pilot, masked clinical study, cats were randomized to a single treatment with NV‐02 (0.4 mg/kg SC [n = 11] or 0.8 mg/kg SC [n = 12]) or placebo (saline, SC [n = 11]). Activity was measured objectively. Additionally, owners completed clinical metrology instruments (client‐specific outcome measures [CSOM] and feline musculoskeletal pain index [FMPI]) on days 0 (screening), 14 (baseline), 35, 56, and 77. A repeated‐measures model was used to evaluate the objective activity data. Results NV‐02 significantly increased objectively measured activity overall (P = .017) and at 2 (P = .035), 3 (P = .007), 4 (P = .006), 5 (P = .007), and 6 (P = .017) weeks after treatment. CSOM scores (P = .035) and pain (P = .024) showed a significant effect of treatment 3 weeks after administration. In the treatment group, 83% of the owners correctly identified the treatment administered compared with 45% of owners in the placebo group (P = .013). No treatment‐related adverse effects were identified. Conclusions These pilot data demonstrate a 6‐week duration positive analgesic effect of this fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody in cats suffering from DJD‐associated pain.