Companion Animal Welfare

Cat FIP Antiviral Treatment Access Welfare

How the development of antiviral treatments for feline infectious peritonitis has transformed welfare outcomes and the ongoing access challenges.

Key Facts

FIP was previously fatal with no effective treatment and very poor prognosis
GS-441524 and molnupiravir have transformed FIP from fatal to treatable in most cases
Treatment duration is 12 weeks with remission rates over 85% in many studies
GS-441524 was not initially licenced and many owners sourced it through informal channels
Licenced GS-441524 products are now available in many countries including the UK

Welfare Considerations

The development of effective antiviral treatment for FIP represents one of the most dramatic welfare advances in feline medicine in decades. A disease previously associated with progressive suffering and certain death can now be treated with an 85%+ remission rate. Ensuring equitable access to licenced treatments for all cats regardless of owner financial resources remains an important welfare challenge.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about FIP antiviral treatment options if your cat is diagnosed
Support access programmes that make FIP treatment available to low-income cat owners
Advocate for licenced FIP antiviral treatments to be included in pet insurance coverage