日本为致死率100%的猫传腹研发预防药

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development of a new drug for preventing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a disease with a 100% mortality rate if untreated, highlighting the urgency and potential impact of this innovation in the veterinary field [2][4][5]. Group 1: Disease Overview - FIP is caused by the mutation of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) due to a weakened immune system, leading to two forms: "wet" (with fluid accumulation) and "dry" (with organ masses) [4]. - Approximately 40% of domestic cats are believed to be carriers of the coronavirus, with less than 5% developing FIP [4]. - The disease has a 100% mortality rate if untreated, with an average survival time of only 9 days [4]. Group 2: Current Treatment Landscape - There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for FIP, although recent studies suggest that human COVID-19 treatments may be effective against it [4]. - In Japan, pet hospitals and cat owners have resorted to importing human COVID-19 drugs for treating FIP, which is costly (ranging from hundreds of thousands to 1 million yen) and lacks sufficient efficacy and safety data [5]. Group 3: New Drug Development - A joint team from Oita University and Kitasato University has formed a startup called "Happy Cat and Dog" to develop a preventive drug for FIP [5][6]. - The new drug aims to be administered orally every six months and is expected to be priced at several tens of thousands of yen, making it more accessible [6]. - The research team plans to confirm the drug's efficacy and safety, with a goal to obtain animal drug approval in Japan and abroad by 2029 [6].