The Cat Drug Black Market

When Marlena's cat was diagnosed with a terminal disease, she found herself seeking help not from a vet, but a series of websites and Facebook groups. The first in a three-part series.

Support independent journalism by becoming a part of our premium user community. Join the discord, get access to exclusive merch (soon), and much much more. 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

LINKS:

GS treatment available in pharmacies: https://bestfriends.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/Network_09%20Webinar_FIP%20Treatment_US-Pharmacy-FIP-Treatment-Options.pdf

Dr. Pedersen's 2019 paper

FIP Warriors Facebook Group

Gilead's statement: 

Since Gilead identified GS-441524 as a potential treatment for cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), we made it available to institutions with the expertise to advance medicines for veterinary use. This is why we shared GS-441524 with UC Davis to research its impact on FIP.

GS-441524 is an intermediate in the synthesis of remdesivir, an approved treatment for COVID-19. Gilead’s supply of GS-441524 was and continues to be used to manufacture remdesivir to meet the demands of COVID-19.

Today, remdesivir has been made available to more than 14.5 million patients around the world, including more than 8.1 million in low- and lower-middle income countries.

In parallel, Gilead has made progress in studies identifying prodrugs of GS-441524 with improved oral bioavailability that could be further investigated as a therapeutic for FIP in cats. Discussions with suitable veterinary specialty companies are ongoing, but to-date we have not identified an appropriate partner. Gilead supports finding a solution for FIP at the earliest opportunity.