GOALS
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common disease that affects all breeds of dogs and can be fatal. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body makes antibodies that recognize your dog’s own red blood cells. These antibodies damage the red cells leading to their removal from the circulation – a process called hemolysis. The purpose of this study is to determine if OKV-1001 is safe and more effective than prednisone alone for the treatment of IMHA. OKV-1001 is a new formulation of a drug called mycophenolic acid (MPA) that is used in the treatment of IMHA.
ELIGIBILITY
Dogs presenting to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital for IMHA.
COMPENSATION
Your dog will benefit from the provision of diagnostic testing and follow-up monitoring at zero cost to you. The drug or placebo will be provided free of charge. You will be responsible for all costs related to standard-of-care treatment of IMHA including hospitalization, blood transfusions, costs of non-study medications, etc. Any tests or procedures unrelated to the study are the responsibility of the owner.
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
If you agree to let your dog participate in this study, your dog will receive the same diagnostic tests and treatments as any other dog with this disease and will receive standard-of-care therapies. In addition, your dog will be randomly assigned to receive either OKV-1001 or a placebo. You will need to return to LSU for multiple visits for follow-up, similar to any patient undergoing care for IMHA.
HOW TO ENROLL
Email [email protected] and include the following:
Pet owner name, email, and phone number
Pet name, weight, date of IMHA diagnosis
Referral clinic, referral veterinarian name, and phone number
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Andrea Johnston DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), PhD
Assistant Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine
Frederic Gaschen Dr.med.vet., Dr.habil., DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA (IM), AGAF
Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine