Using Feline Recombinant Omega Interferon (Virbagen Omega) for Viral Diseases

By Stephen A. Martinez, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM February 6, 2017

For most of us, treatment of feline (and canine) viral diseases can be a frustrating endeavor because
there is no direct therapy for most infections. Therapy consists largely of supportive care with
medications to control symptoms and therapy to maintain hydration and nutrition. For more severe
viral disease such as Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and Parvovirus, fatality rates remain
unacceptably high and for less severe infections such as calicivirus and herpes virus, long term
immune mediated sequela such as stomatitis and erosive rhinitis lead to significant increases in
morbidity and decreases in quality of life. Antiviral therapies are expensive, have a high rate of side
effects and are not effective against all viral infections.

Interferons are a group of proteins known as cytokines, molecules used for communication between
cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that help eradicate pathogens. They
are named for their ability to “interfere” with viral replication by protecting cells from virus
infections. They also may activate immune cells and increase host defenses.

Human interferons (Alpha interferons) are readily available and have been used for many years to try
and treat viral diseases in dogs and cats. Efficacy is questionable at best and is considered
controversial for treatment of certain viral diseases such as FIP in cats. Feline Recombinant omega
interferon (Virbagen Omega) has been under evaluation since 1998. It was first studied for use in
parvovirus in dogs. In 2006, the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use
(CVMP) agreed that the benefits of Virbagen Omega are greater than any risks to reduce mortality
and clinical signs of parvovirosis in dogs from one month of age and to treat cats infected with
feline leukemia virus (Felv) and/or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in non-terminal cats from
the age of 9 weeks. They recommended that Virbagen Omega should be given a marketing
authorization making it available throughout Europe for a variety of viral diseases.

In the United States, due to lack of FDA approval, Virbagen Omega remained expensive and difficult
to obtain requiring a compassionate use letter from the FDA. Recently however, a compassionate use
letter is no longer necessary. The FDA states that import of this medication is allowed as defined by
the Regulatory Procedures Manual, section 9-2. This rule allows an individual to import small
quantities (less than 3 months use) of medication for personal use.

Since its release, limited studies have become available showing benefit with the use of Virbagen
Omega for a variety of feline and canine viral diseases. It has been shown to be as efficacious as
steroids for the use of feline stomatitis and has been demonstrated to show improvement in viral
induced anemias in cats. Anecdotally, MedVet’s internal medicine department has seen significant
improvement in some cats diagnosed with FIP, even when used as a monotherapy. As the side effect
profile is low, consisting mostly of gastrointestinal related signs, the potential for benefit makes
feline recombinant omega interferon an attractive option in a field where few therapies have proven
beneficial.

References:
• Ishiwata K, et al, Clinical effects of the recombinant feline interferon-omega on experimental parvovirus
infection in beagle dogs, J Vet Med Sci. 1998 Aug;60(8):911-7.

• de Mari K, et al, Therapeutic effects of recombinant feline interferon-omega on feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-
infected and FeLV/feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-coinfected symptomatic cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2004 Jul-
Aug;18(4):477-82

• Ritz S, et al, Effect of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life of cats with feline
infectious peritonitis, J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Nov-Dec;21(6):1193-7.

• Hennet PR, et al, Comparative efficacy of a recombinant feline interferon omega in refractory cases of
calicivirus-positive cats with caudal stomatitis: a randomized, multi-centre, controlled, double-blind study in 39
cats, J Feline Med Surg. 2011 Aug;13(8):577-87.