Meet the Faces of Zen: Elanco's Zenrelia™ (ilunocitinib tablets) Helps Allergic Dogs Get Back to Normal

Rhea-AI Summary

Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN) introduces Zenrelia™, an FDA-approved once-daily oral JAK inhibitor for controlling itching associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs aged 12+ months. The treatment, launched in September 2024, addresses a significant market with approximately 17 million U.S. dogs suffering from allergic skin diseases.

A newly published study in Veterinary Dermatology compared Zenrelia to Apoquel® in over 300 allergic dogs. The medication includes a boxed warning regarding concurrent vaccine administration. Real-world cases demonstrate successful treatment outcomes, with several dogs showing significant improvement in their conditions, including reduced itching and fur regrowth.

According to a survey, 82% of pet owners with itchy dogs dream of returning to normal life with their pets. The company has launched a dedicated platform, ZenreliaForVets.com, for U.S. veterinarians to learn more and place orders.

Positive

• FDA approval and successful launch of new treatment Zenrelia
• Addresses large market of 17 million U.S. dogs with allergic skin diseases
• Published clinical trial results in peer-reviewed journal
• Demonstrated effectiveness with positive real-world case studies

Negative

• Product carries boxed warning related to vaccine administration
• to dogs 12 months and older

Insights

Veterinary Market Analyst

The launch of Zenrelia marks a pivotal moment for Elanco's position in the $8+ billion global pet dermatology market. With approximately 17 million dogs suffering from allergic skin conditions in the U.S. alone, this represents a substantial commercial opportunity. Several key factors make this launch particularly significant:

The competitive landscape analysis reveals Zenrelia's strategic positioning against Zoetis's Apoquel, the current market leader. The peer-reviewed study in Veterinary Dermatology comparing both treatments provides important scientific validation for market penetration. The rapid onset of action from the first dose gives Zenrelia a compelling differentiation point.

Market dynamics support strong adoption potential:

• High unmet need demonstrated by 82% of pet owners seeking better solutions
• Strong endorsements from key opinion leaders in veterinary dermatology
• Documented real-world effectiveness through multiple case studies
• Growing pet healthcare spending trends

For investors, this represents a potential significant revenue driver for Elanco. The companion animal health sector typically commands higher margins than livestock segments and dermatology products often require long-term administration, creating recurring revenue streams. The product's positioning and early adoption signals suggest it could capture meaningful market share from existing treatments.

However, investors should note the boxed warning regarding vaccine administration, which may require careful management of the treatment protocol. This factor could influence the initial adoption rate among veterinarians.

• Hunter, Trooper, Scrappy and Buckaroo find zen by using Zenrelia
• Newly published study in a leading peer-reviewed, international journal, Veterinary Dermatology, compares clinical outcomes between Zenrelia and Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet)

GREENFIELD, Ind., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scratching, rubbing, chewing, licking. All signs of an irritated, itchy dog. With approximately 17 million U.S. dogs suffering from allergic skin disease, including atopic dermatitis, food allergies or flea sensitivity,^i,ii these are the sounds too many pet parents and veterinarians hear. Today, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN), is introducing some of the first allergic dogs who have found zen and gotten back to normal by using Zenrelia. Zenrelia, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and launched in September 2024, is a highly effective, convenient and safe once-daily oral JAK inhibitor for control of pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/elanco/9235451-en-elanco-zenrelia-canine-dermatology

"Our research shows that when pet owners see their dog at their worst levels of itch, they're concerned, stressed, frustrated and anxious,ⁱⁱⁱ" said Bobby Modi, Executive Vice President, U.S. Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation. "Pet owners shouldn't allow allergic itch to disrupt zen for them or their pups. Zenrelia is designed to begin working from the very first dose^iv and help get dogs back to normal."^v

In fact, a newly published study in a leading peer-reviewed, international journal, Veterinary Dermatology, described the findings of a randomized, clinical trial which compared Zenrelia to the leading JAK inhibitor, Apoquel, in over 300 allergic dogs. The full study findings can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13319.   

The Zenrelia label includes a boxed warning related to concurrent vaccine administration based on the results of a vaccine response study. It's important for veterinarians to read the entire package insert, including the Boxed Warning, before prescribing Zenrelia.

Meet Some of the Faces of Zen
According to a survey of pet owners, itchy dog owners are eager to get back to a normal life with their dogs, with 82% agreeing they dream of the day their itchy dog becomes normal again and they understand that effective treatment is part of that solution.ⁱⁱ With Zenrelia now widely available, Zenrelia has expanded beyond the clinical trial to helping dogs across the country—and their pet owners—find zen. These real-world results give hope to millions of pet parents whose pets suffer from itch.

Hunter from Ohio, found his zen with Zenrelia. This eight-year-old Chocolate lab suffered with dermatitis most of his life and as he got older, his symptoms—especially licking at his feet and lower legs got worse. His pet parent, Cristy, a receptionist at a vet clinic, tried everything her veterinarian had recommended to bring Hunter relief. Hunter had an extensive regimen of injections every 3-4 weeks, medicated shampoos and wipes, antihistamines, and during parts of the year when he was worse, he was on steroids. Even with this intensive routine his symptoms were never fully controlled—until Hunter took Zenrelia.

"His back feet were pretty much naked up until his first joint and his front feet would be scabby and scaly from the constant licking," Cristy said. "It was really discouraging as his dog mom that I couldn't do anything to help him. He's so much more comfortable since being on Zenrelia. It's such a relief that he has relief."

According to Cristy, "It's worth talking to your veterinarian to see if it's something that your dog would benefit from." Individual results may vary and dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting Zenrelia.

Trooper, a four-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, from Arizona, first got back to normal levels of itch when he participated in the Zenrelia clinical trial. When the trial concluded, the itch returned. His owner, Robin, was excited to get him back on the treatment now that Zenrelia is widely available.

"Allergies are something he's going to have to suffer with his whole life," said Trooper's pet parent, Robin. "Having a solution for his allergies is such a relief. It makes my heart happy that I will be able to afford it and give him the relief he deserves."

Lisa, pet mom to 9-year-old Yorkshire Terrier-Chihuahua mix Scrappy said she "tried everything under the sun" to help bring Scrappy relief. Scrappy's itching reached the point he lost a significant amount of fur, he didn't want to play or go on walks and no one was getting a good night's rest. Lisa tried numerous treatment options and felt depleted knowing his itch was never fully controlled, until she tried Zenrelia. After two days on Zenrelia, his itch level improved and after eight weeks on Zenrelia, Lisa is happy and relieved to see Scrappy back to a normal dog. According to Lisa, his hair has re-grown, he's taking long walks and he's a happy boy.  

"I was excited to get Trooper, Scrappy and some other patients started on Zenrelia as soon as it was available to order," said Dr. Tom Lewis, veterinary dermatologist and founder of Dermatology for Animals, a group of veterinary dermatology clinics committed to caring for pets with allergies. "Seeing these dogs get back to normal levels of itch and seeing the bond restored between the dog and pet parents is incredibly rewarding. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian and ask if Zenrelia is right for their dog."

Buckaroo, an eight-year-old mixed breed from Texas, tried numerous treatment options without relief, including steroids and immunotherapy–until his veterinarian recommended Zenrelia. The photos show Buckaroo's skin before Zenrelia, after three weeks of treatment, and after eight weeks of treatment. His owner noted, "he's now the happiest boy in the world and his energy levels have increased dramatically."

"I've had the opportunity to use Zenrelia in my practice and it's helped several of my patients get back to normal levels of itch," said Dr. Brittany Lancellotti, a veterinary dermatologist at Veterinary Skin and Ear in Los Angeles, California. "In the fight against allergic dermatitis, I've found that every dog is different - it's great to have another effective treatment option in my toolbox."

"I work with dermatologists around the country through the American College of Veterinary Dermatology," said Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, dermatologist, and director of medical operations at Animal Dermatology Clinic in New York and President of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD). "It' great to have another tool in the toolbox especially for both new and severe cases."

Veterinarians in the U.S. can learn more and place orders for Zenrelia now at ZenreliaForVets.com.

ABOUT ELANCO
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders and society as a whole. With 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to breaking boundaries and going beyond to help our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ sustainability pillars – all to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise. Learn more at www.elanco.com. 

INDICATIONS

Zenrelia is a prescription medication used to control itching and inflammation associated with skin allergies for dogs over 12 months of age. 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
See package insert including the Boxed Warning. For full prescribing information speak with your veterinarian, call 1 888 545 5973 or visit www.elancolabels.com/us/zenrelia. 

WARNING: VACCINE-INDUCED DISEASE AND INADEQUATE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO VACCINES. Based on results of the vaccine response study, dogs receiving Zenrelia are at risk of fatal vaccine-induced disease and inadequate immune response to vaccines. Dogs should not take Zenrelia for a time period before and after vaccination. Discuss your dog's vaccine schedule with your veterinarian. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting Zenrelia. Do not use in dogs less than 12 months old or dogs with a serious infection. Dogs should be monitored for the development of infections because Zenrelia may increase the chances of developing an infection. Neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed during clinical studies. The most common side effects were vomiting, diarrhea and tiredness. Zenrelia has not been tested in dogs used for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs and has not been evaluated in combination with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other immune suppressive drugs.  

Zenrelia, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Apoquel is a trademark of Zoetis Services, LLC. © 2025 Elanco or its affiliates.

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ⁱ AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook 2022.

ⁱⁱ Elanco Animal Health. Data on File.

ⁱⁱⁱ Elanco and FleishmanHillard TRUE Global Intelligence Survey.

^iv Elanco Animal Health. Data on File. 

^v Elanco Animal Health. Data on File.

 

Investor Contact: Tiffany Kanaga (765) 740-0314 tiffany.kanaga@elancoah.com

Media Contact: Season Solorio (765) 316-0233 season.solorio@elancoah.com  

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SOURCE Elanco Animal Health

FAQ

When was Zenrelia (ELAN) approved and launched in the US market?

Zenrelia was approved by the FDA and launched by Elanco (ELAN) in September 2024.

What is the market size for Elanco's (ELAN) Zenrelia in the US?

The market includes approximately 17 million U.S. dogs suffering from allergic skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, food allergies, or flea sensitivity.

What are the age restrictions for Elanco's (ELAN) Zenrelia treatment?

Zenrelia is approved for dogs that are at least 12 months of age.

What is the main safety concern with Elanco's (ELAN) Zenrelia?

Zenrelia carries a boxed warning related to concurrent vaccine administration, requiring veterinarians to review the entire package insert before prescribing.

How quickly does Elanco's (ELAN) Zenrelia start working?

According to the press release, Zenrelia is designed to begin working from the very first dose.