Elanco Launched First Capromorelin Cat Treatment
The newly released oral solution aims to assist cats struggling with weight loss from chronic conditions.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Pet Health
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Veterinary company Elanco has introduced Eluracat, an oral medication designed to stimulate weight gain in cats suffering from chronic illnesses. The vanilla-flavored solution is now the first capromorelin-based treatment licensed for veterinary use in the UK and Ireland.
Why it matters
Unintended weight loss is a common and dangerous symptom in cats facing chronic health challenges like kidney disease. Providing a daily treatment option helps veterinarians and owners manage these conditions more effectively to maintain a pet's health.
The clinical trial for the oral solution lasted eight weeks and observed that 83% of participants gained and maintained weight, significantly outperforming the 41.5% success rate of the placebo group.
The players
Elanco
Elanco is a global animal health company that develops products for the prevention and treatment of diseases in pets and farm animals.
The details
Eluracat is administered as a once-daily, vanilla-flavored oral solution designed for ease of use by pet owners. The medication works by mimicking the hormone ghrelin to stimulate the secretion of growth hormones.
Timeline
The clinical trial duration for weight gain observations lasted for an eight-week period.
Culture Shift
This release follows the established regulatory and testing precedents set by the ghrelin receptor agonist clinical research framework. The introduction of this medication highlights a broader industry shift toward specialized pharmaceutical interventions for domestic pets with chronic health needs.
Pet owners in the UK and Ireland may now consult with their veterinarians regarding the availability of this new daily treatment for their cats. The ease of the vanilla-flavored daily solution may simplify the management of chronic conditions at home for many families.
The takeaway
Pet owners managing chronic illness in cats should discuss whether this ghrelin-mimicking treatment fits their specific veterinary care plan. Regular monitoring of a pet's weight and appetite remains the most important step when introducing new medical therapies.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in animal wellness in our Pet Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Vettimes.
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