Bullet-Point Summary
- Elanco launched Befrena™ (tirnovetmab), a new anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody for canine allergic and atopic dermatitis
- The injectable therapy begins controlling itch within 24 hours and provides 6 to 8 weeks of relief
- Befrena received USDA approval in December 2025 and is now being used in select veterinary clinics through an Early Experience Program
- Elanco positions Befrena within the $1.3 billion U.S. canine dermatology market
- The company says Befrena is effective with no age or weight restrictions for dogs
- Befrena becomes Elanco’s second monoclonal antibody product in the U.S. pet health market
Elanco Animal Health announced the phased U.S. launch of Befrena™ (tirnovetmab), a new anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody injection indicated for the treatment of canine allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
The company said the product starts controlling itch within 24 hours and delivers 6 to 8 weeks of relief through an in-clinic injection administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
By targeting interleukin-31 (IL-31), a cytokine associated with itch signaling, Befrena is designed to interrupt the neurologic itch pathway in allergic dogs. Elanco said the product’s dosing interval differentiates it from existing monoclonal antibody competitors in the canine dermatology market.
The launch comes as veterinarians prepare for what allergy forecasters expect to be a longer and more severe allergy season across parts of the United States.
Early Experience Program Underway
Select veterinary clinics and dermatology specialists are already using Befrena through Elanco’s Early Experience Program.
According to Elanco, participating veterinarians have reported positive early outcomes in dogs experiencing chronic allergic itch and skin irritation.
“The commercial launch of Befrena into the $1.3 billion U.S. canine dermatology market is another exciting milestone in our innovation journey,” said Bobby Modi, executive vice president of U.S. Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation at Elanco.
The company said it continues scaling manufacturing capacity to support broader availability of the monoclonal antibody product.
Veterinarians Report Early Clinical Results
Elanco highlighted several dogs enrolled through the Early Experience Program, including Beaux, a Yorkshire Terrier treated for severe itch and hair loss associated with allergic skin disease.
Dr. Matt Lane of Liberty Animal Hospital reported that the dog stopped itching within 24 hours of treatment and demonstrated hair regrowth during follow-up evaluations.
Veterinary dermatologists participating in clinical trials and the early launch program also described Befrena as a promising new treatment option for allergic dogs that have not responded adequately to other therapies.
Dr. Tom Lewis, founder of Dermatology for Animals, said the product demonstrated a favorable safety and efficacy profile during clinical evaluation, while Iowa State University veterinary dermatologist Dr. Jason Pieper described encouraging early responses in difficult atopic dermatitis cases.
Expanding Elanco’s Dermatology Portfolio
Befrena received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in December 2025. The launch follows Elanco’s recent introduction of Zenrelia™ (ilunocitinib tablets), further expanding the company’s companion animal dermatology portfolio.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
