The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Pfizer Animal Health’s Slentrol (dirlotapide) for the management of canine obesity. This is the first veterinary-approved obesity drug for dogs in the United States, according to the company. Pfizer said that it developed Slentrol in response to the unmet need for a medication to help veterinarians and pet owners manage canine obesity in a comprehensive program that includes healthy diet and appropriate exercise. “Veterinarians will now have the additional option of using Slentrol in conjunction with diet and exercise,” said S. Kristina Wahlstrom, VMD, Pfizer Animal Health. Slentrol, which decreases a dog’s appetite, is given once daily as an oral solution. It will be available to veterinarians this spring. Slentrol should not be used in cats, dogs receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy or dogs with liver disease. <HOME>
