Topical κ‐opioid receptor agonist asimadoline improves dermatitis in a canine model of atopic dermatitis

• Published in: Experimental dermatology Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 628 - 632
• Main Authors: Marsella, Rosanna, Ahrens, Kim, Wilkes, Rachel, Soeberdt, Michael, Abels, Christoph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Acetamides; Agonists; Allergens; Analgesics, Opioid - pharmacology; Analgesics, Opioid - therapeutic use; animal model; Animals; Asimadoline; Atopic dermatitis; Cameras; Cross-Over Studies; Dermatitis; Dermatitis, Atopic - drug therapy; dog; Dog Diseases - drug therapy; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; itch; Narcotics; opioid receptor agonist; Opioid receptors; Placebos; Prospective Studies; Pruritus; Pruritus - drug therapy; Pyrrolidines; Receptors, Opioid, kappa - therapeutic use; Statistical analysis; pruritus; itch; Atopic dermatitis; Asimadoline; animal model; dog; opioid receptor agonist
• ISSN: 0906-6705; 1600-0625
• DOI: 10.1111/exd.14507

This prospective, 4‐week, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study aimed to investigate the efficacy of 1% topical κ‐opioid agonist, asimadoline, in a model of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Fourteen beagles were challenged with house dust mites every 3–4 days for a total of 9 challenges. Severity of dermatitis was assessed, and pruritus was monitored using GoPro HERO cameras. Pruritus scoring was evaluated at 10 time periods; baseline, 4 h post allergen challenge and the last day of the study on Day 28. Scoring was done blindly by personnel using BORIS software. A global subjective score was also given using a visual analogue scale (VAS). A 4‐week washout period occurred and dogs were crossed‐over, the study was repeated, and the results were analysed using combined data. Gel was applied once daily on inguinal area (0.6 ml/dog). ANOVA showed significant effect of time (p < 0.0001) and group (p = 0.0001) on dermatitis scores. Overall, no statistically significant effect on pruritus was found due to a crossing of scores on Day 17. Overtime the placebo scores increased while the active ingredient showed decrease after first 3 weeks. It is concluded that this approach is promising in dogs with AD and longer studies with more frequent application may be beneficial.