Animal radiopharmaceutical optimized for cats will undergo clinical trials for the first time in Korea.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced on the 20th that the clinical trial plan for the animal radiopharmaceutical "Cyrokitty Injection (a treatment for hyperthyroidism)" has been approved by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.
The research team is operating the hot cell to manufacture Cyrokitty injection (I-131). Photo by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
Dr. Im Jae-cheong's research team at the Atomic Energy Research Institute developed Cyrokitty Injection optimized for cats according to the manufacturing standards for animal drugs by confirming the dosage and method of radioactive iodine (I-131) administration that maximizes therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects.
When this injection is administered, the radioactive iodine concentrates and is absorbed in the thyroid gland, selectively removing only abnormal thyroid cells, and it has been confirmed that a single administration is sufficient to achieve effective treatment.
The approval of the clinical trial for Cyrokitty Injection is significant as it enables the first domestic clinical trial of an animal radiopharmaceutical. The clinical trial will be conducted for one year starting next month at the Chungbuk National University Animal Medical Center, which has veterinary nuclear medicine treatment facilities, targeting about 40 companion cats with the disease.
If the injection successfully completes the clinical trial, it is expected to be used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in companion cats.
Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, leading to cardiovascular disorders, and it mainly occurs in cats over 10 years old.
Until now, there were no alternatives other than long-term drug treatment or surgery. In advanced pet care countries such as the United States, effective treatment is possible using radioactive isotopes for hyperthyroidism, but in Korea, since animal radiopharmaceuticals have not been introduced, treatment options were limited to daily lifelong administration of antithyroid drugs or thyroid removal surgery.
However, if Cyrokitty Injection succeeds in clinical trials, the research team expects that hyperthyroidism treatment will become possible in Korea with just a single injection in the future.
The research team aims to release the product by next year after obtaining product approval once the efficacy and safety of the treatment are finally verified through clinical trials. If the schedule proceeds as planned, Cyrokitty Injection is expected to become the first domestic animal radiopharmaceutical. There is also likely to be an opportunity to export the animal drug to Asian regions such as China and Japan, where many people live with companion cats.
Jung Young-wook, director of the Hanaro Quantum Science Research Institute, said, "With the approval of this clinical trial, it is expected that the introduction of highly effective animal radiopharmaceuticals will become possible in Korea," and added, "The institute will continue research and development efforts to ensure that the first domestic animal radiopharmaceutical can be launched."
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