Merial has announced the launch of Oncept IL-2, the first veterinary immunotherapeutic product in Europe for the management of cancer in pets. 

Described by the company as a true breakthrough in the field of veterinary oncology, Oncept IL-2 is an adjunct immunotherapy for feline fibrosarcoma.

Merial says the product is based on recombinant canarypox vector technology it developed collaboratively with veterinary oncologists, and which is used in several of its vaccines, including PUREVAX FeLV and PUREVAX Rabies.

Oncept IL-2 is indicated for cats with fibrosarcoma (2-5 cm diameter) without metastasis or lymph node involvement, in order to reduce the risk of relapse and to increase the relapse-free interval. It should be used in addition to surgery and radiotherapy.

Kevin Whelan, Merial's Technical Manager said: "Following injection around the tumour surgery site, the recombinant canarypox vector virus enters the cat's cells, which then produce interleukin-2. The presence of this cytokine stimulates an anti-tumour immune response by a variety of mechanisms, including the induction of T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells."

In a field efficacy trial, a treatment course with Oncept IL-2 (consisting of 6 subcutaneous administrations in the tumour bed over a 7-week period), as an adjunct to surgery and radiotherapy, was shown to significantly reduce the risk of relapse and to increase the time to relapse.

The product is available in packs of 6 doses, which is sufficient for a treatment course. Please contact your local Merial Territory Manager for further information or email oncept@merial.com

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