Mitratapide Explained

Mitratapide is a veterinary medication used for the treatment of overweight and obese dogs sold under the brand name Yarvitan. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) which is responsible for the absorption of dietary lipids.[1] Clinical study also suggests that mitratapide may help to reverse insulin resistance in dogs.[2]

The drug was developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica and is chemically related to the antifungal drugs such as itraconazole which were also developed by Janssen.

Mitratapide (under the brand name Yarvitan) was authorized for use in the EU by the European Medicines Agency for helping weight loss in dogs, but it has since been withdrawn from the market in the EU.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.vetstream.com/canis/Content/Generic/gen00870.asp Mitratapide
  2. Dobenecker B, De Bock M, Engelen M, Goossens L, Scholz A, Kienzle E . Effect of mitratapide on body composition, body measurements and glucose tolerance in obese Beagles . Veterinary Research Communications . 33 . 8 . 839–47 . December 2009 . 19544001 . 2776940 . 10.1007/s11259-009-9232-5 .
  3. German AJ . Weight management in obese pets: the tailoring concept and how it can improve results . Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica . 58 . Suppl 1 . 57 . October 2016 . 27766974 . 5073926 . 10.1186/s13028-016-0238-z . free .