What It Is & How It Works

Numelvi (atinvicitinib) is a recently approved veterinary medicine used in dogs with allergic skin disease. It belongs to a class of medicines known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which act on signalling pathways involved in inflammation and itching.

Allergic skin disease is a common cause of pruritus in dogs. Advances in veterinary medicine have led to the development of targeted therapies that act on specific inflammatory pathways involved in allergic conditions.

One such approach involves the use of JAK inhibitors, which interfere with signalling pathways that contribute to inflammation and itch.

Atinvicitinib is a newer JAK inhibitor developed for use in dogs with allergic skin disease. It has recently received regulatory approval in Europe and may be considered by veterinary surgeons where clinically appropriate.

What Is Numelvi (Atinvicitinib)?

Atinvicitinib is a second-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It works by targeting intracellular signalling pathways used by inflammatory cytokines.

It has been developed to be selective for the JAK1 enzyme, which plays a key role in allergic inflammation and itch signalling.

• Drug class: JAK inhibitor
• Administration: Oral tablets (as prescribed)
• Dosing: Determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon

Medicines in this class are classified as prescription-only veterinary medicines (POM-V) and can only be supplied against a valid veterinary prescription.

What Is Numelvi Used For in Dogs?

Veterinary surgeons may consider JAK inhibitors, including atinvicitinib, as part of the management of:

• Pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis
• Clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis occurs when the immune system reacts to environmental allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, or mould spores.

Common clinical signs may include:

• Persistent scratching
• Licking or chewing paws
• Red or inflamed skin
• Recurrent ear infections
• Hair loss or secondary skin infections

How Do JAK Inhibitors Work?

Allergic itching is driven by signalling molecules known as cytokines. These activate pathways inside immune cells that contribute to inflammation and itch sensation.

Many of these pathways rely on Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes, particularly JAK1.

JAK inhibitors act by blocking these pathways, which may help reduce inflammation and interrupt the itch cycle in affected dogs.

Different JAK inhibitors vary in their selectivity and pharmacological profile, which may influence how they are incorporated into treatment plans.

Clinical Evidence

JAK inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical studies involving dogs with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

In controlled studies, treatment with JAK inhibitors has been associated with reductions in pruritus and skin lesions compared with placebo.

Response to treatment can vary between individuals, and ongoing monitoring by a veterinary surgeon is required.

Further information can be found in regulatory documentation and published clinical data.

Other Treatment Approaches

A range of treatment options may be used in the management of allergic skin disease, including:

• JAK inhibitors
• Monoclonal antibody therapies targeting itch pathways
• Immunomodulatory medications such as ciclosporin

The most appropriate approach depends on the individual patient, underlying disease, and clinical judgement of the veterinary surgeon.

How Is This Medication Prescribed in the UK?

Medicines such as atinvicitinib are classified as prescription-only veterinary medicines (POM-V) in the UK. They can only be supplied following examination and prescription by a veterinary surgeon.

In some cases, treatment decisions are made based on individual patient needs, clinical history and response to previous therapies. Owners should discuss suitable treatment options directly with their vet.

Availability

Medicines in this class have received regulatory approval in Europe following review by the European Medicines Agency.

These treatments are classified as prescription-only veterinary medicines and are only available following assessment and prescription by a veterinary surgeon.

If you are concerned about your dog’s skin or itching, veterinary assessment is recommended.

References

European Medicines Agency – Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products review documentation.
Published clinical data relating to JAK inhibitors in canine dermatology.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not promote any specific veterinary medicinal product.