Companion Animals

Cat Feline Infectious Peritonitis: From Death Sentence to Treatable

FIP was universally fatal until antiviral GS-441524 treatment achieved cure rates over 85%, transforming one of the most feared feline diseases into a manageable condition.

Key Facts

FIP is caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus and was 100% fatal before 2019
GS-441524 (a nucleoside analog antiviral) achieves cure rates of 85-95% in clinical trials
Treatment requires 12 weeks of daily injection or oral medication
Wet FIP (effusive) and dry FIP (non-effusive) forms both respond to treatment
The drug was not commercially available in many countries and cats suffered while regulatory approval was sought

Welfare Considerations

Before GS-441524, FIP caused profound suffering and invariably fatal outcomes in cats - often young cats at peak vitality. The development of effective antiviral treatment is one of veterinary medicine's great recent welfare advances. Ensuring access to this treatment globally - including in countries where regulatory approval remains incomplete - is an active welfare advocacy issue.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about GS-441524 treatment immediately if your cat is diagnosed with FIP
Support organizations advocating for regulatory approval of FIP antivirals in your country
Donate to FIP research organizations continuing to develop and improve treatment protocols
Join FIP owner communities for support and access to treatment navigation resources