IntelGenx (TSX:IGX; OTCQB:IGXT) announced positive results from a proof-of-concept study, conducted through a research collaboration with the University Prince Edward Island (UPEI), to assess the palatability, owner-perceived acceptability, and ease of repeated administration of IntelGenx’s VetaFilm platform in healthy dogs and cats. UPEI is one of North America’s leading veterinary universities.
The reliable administration of medications to dogs and cats is a concern for many owners and veterinarians. There are few prescribed medications that dogs and cats will eagerly accept. Forced administration of capsules, tablets and liquids may be stressful for both the pet and its owner(s).
In addition, many owners report that medicating their pet becomes more difficult with each dose, often leading to decreased owner compliance, missed doses and potentially treatment failures.
IntelGenx’s VetaFilm-based fast dissolving oral films (VetaFilm FDOFs) present a new and potentially superior way to medicate companion animals, the company said in a statement.
The research collaboration with UPEI evaluated: (1) the acceptance rate of various VetaFilm placebo formulations in dogs and cats at first exposure; (2) preference between flavours of VetaFilm placebo formulations in dogs and cats; (3) changes in acceptance rates over longer periods; and (4), owner perception of ease of administration, acceptance and other behaviors associated with VetaFilm placebo formulations.
Key findings included:
- The VetaFilm FDOFs were well accepted and well tolerated by both dogs and cats;
- Repeated dosing (twice a day for one week) showed high continued acceptance rates in both species with little or no effect of time on the continued acceptance of the VetaFilm FDOFs;
- Overall, 100% of dog owners and 67% of cat owners felt that administration of the VetaFilm FDOFs was “very easy” or “easy”; and
- 95% of dog owners and 82% of cat owners identified VetaFilm FDOFs as the preferred method of medication administration.
“These results come at an opportune time as we continue to expand our Animal Health business and work toward establishing our proprietary VetaFilm drug delivery platform as a standard administration method for dogs and cats,” said IntelGenx’s CEO, Dwight Gorham.
‘We would like to thank the esteemed clinicians and researchers at UPEI, the many pet owners, and of course the cherished dogs and cats that participated in these studies,” he added.
