(N34) Clinical Trial of Crisdesalazine (GedaCure) on Meningioencephalitis in Dogs

Abstract:

Background: Crisdesalazine, 2-hydroxy-5-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ethylaminobenzoic acid] (AAD-2004), is a dual-functional drug derived from aspirin and sulfasalazine, which are widely used to treat inflammatory diseases. The drug has an antioxidative property as a potent spin trapping molecule and also an anti-inflammatory effect as a mycrosomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 inhibitor.
Hypothesis: Crisdesalazine was used as an add-on therapy on ongoing immunosuppressive treatment, expecting the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative benefits, or immunosuppresant-sparing effect on inflammatory brain disease.
Animal: Three dogs diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE) by neurologic examination, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral spinal fluid analysis were included.

Methods: case series

Results: A 4-year, female spayed, Yorkshire terrier dog (Case 1) showing head tilt, an 8-year, male castrated, Shih-tzu dog (Case 2) showing ataxia and gait disorder, and a 4-year, male castrated, Pomeranian dog (Case 3) showing ataxia were referred to our veterinary hospital. These dogs were diagnosed as meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE) through neurologic examination, blood analysis, MRI, and CSF analysis. And the dogs has started treatment with immunosuppressants (prednisolone and cytarabine), and anti-epileptic drugs (phenobarbital with or without levetiracetam). At least 3 months later, crisdesalazine was added to these dogs to improve clinical signs or reduce dose of immunosuppressants. After adding crisdesalazine on ongoing treatment, neurologic signs of dogs (Case 1 and 3) were markedly improved. Also, in Case 2, the dog could reduce the dosage of the prednisolone successfully.
Conclusion and clinical relevance: This is the first successful clinical trial case series of adding crisdesalazine on ongoing treatment for MUE dogs.