Efficacy and safety of dirlotapide in the management of obese dogs evaluated in two placebo-controlled, masked clinical studies in North America.

Dirlotapide was evaluated in the management of obesity in dogs in two multicenter, clinical studies in North America. A total of 335 obese dogs of various breeds were randomized to dirlotapide or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. Dirlotapide was administered orally once daily to dogs at an initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg, increased after 14 days to 0.1 (study B, label dose) or 0.2 mg/kg (study A) and then adjusted according to individual weight loss at 28-day intervals. Dogs were examined and weighed, and body condition scores (BCSs) were recorded every 28 days. Study A had three consecutive phases: weight loss (16 weeks, day 0-112); weight management (12 weeks); and post-treatment (8 weeks). Study B had a weight loss phase only. For dirlotapide-treated dogs, mean weight loss by day 112 was 11.8-14.0% compared with 3.0-3.9% for placebo (P = 0.0001). In study A, weight losses for dirlotapide were 19.3% after 12 weeks of weight management and 16.7% (regain of 3.4%) by 8 weeks after dirlotapide was discontinued. In both studies, dogs in both treatments had emesis, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and mildly elevated hepatic transaminase activity, that resolved spontaneously with time. These were experienced more frequently with dirlotapide. Improved activity levels and BCS for >50% dogs were reported with dirlotapide. Dirlotapide was safe and effective in the reduction and management of body weight in obese dogs.