oclacitinib

Oclacitinib is a synthetic small molecule Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor primarily used in veterinary medicine for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. It works by selectively inhibiting JAK1 and, to a lesser extent, JAK3, which are enzymes involved in the signaling pathways of pro-inflammatory and pruritogenic cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, and especially IL-31. By blocking these pathways, oclacitinib reduces itchiness and inflammation without significantly affecting hematopoiesis or innate immune responses that depend on JAK2. Oclacitinib is not a corticosteroid or antihistamine but offers an alternative with fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies. The drug was developed by Zoetis[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

Apoquel

Other names

oclacitinib maleate