Capromorelin promotes weight gain in cats with unintended weight loss: a randomized, masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Capromorelin showed a statistically significant increase in body weight in cats with CKD, but the clinical relevance of this finding should be carefully considered.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the mk-677 (ibutamoren) corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of capromorelin in managing unintended weight loss in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 176 client-owned cats were randomized to receive capromorelin or a placebo for 55 days. The capromorelin group showed a mean weight change of +5.18% compared to -1.65% in the placebo group.
Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of capromorelin to manage weight loss in cats with unintended weight loss, as occurs in chronic kidney disease (CKD), in a randomized, masked, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical field study.MethodsA total of 176 client-owned cats with existing CKD and unintended weight loss of 5% or more were enrolled. Cats were randomized 2:1 to receive capromorelin or a vehicle placebo orally once daily for 55 days. Changes in body weight and safety parameters were monitored throughout the study.ResultsBody weight increased progressively with time in the capromorelin group and decreased in the placebo group. For the effectiveness population data sample (n = 112), mean change in body weight from day 0 to day 55 was +5.18% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.45-6.91) with capromorelin and -1.65% (95% CI -3.82 to 0.55) with placebo. The treatment effect (capromorelin minus placebo) from day 0 to day 55 was +6.81% (95% CI 4.21-9.42) with <i>P</i> <0.0001, representing +0.25 kg (95% CI 0.15-0.35) body weight. Hypersalivation was observed only in the capromorelin group (<i>P</i> <0.0001). For all other adverse events (AEs), there was no significant difference between the treatment groups: in the capromorelin group 96/118 (81.4%) cats and in the placebo group 41/58 (70.7%) cats had at least one reported AE (<i>P</i> = 0.3650).Conclusions and relevanceCapromorelin was safe and effective, and provides a valuable new option to maintain or increase body weight in cats with CKD.
Background
The paper investigates the potential of capromorelin to promote weight gain in cats that have experienced unintended weight loss. Prior research has indicated that similar compounds may influence appetite and weight, but specific effects in feline populations had not been thoroughly evaluated. This study aims to fill that gap by providing evidence from a controlled trial setting.
Methods
The study employed a randomized, masked, placebo-controlled design. The population consisted of cats with unintended weight loss, but the sample size and specific dosing regimen were not reported in the abstract. The duration of the study and primary versus secondary outcome measures were also not specified.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
Without specific numeric findings or effect sizes, it is challenging to compare this study's results to existing literature. The lack of reported data limits the ability to determine whether any observed effects are clinically meaningful or significant. Additionally, the absence of details regarding confounding factors such as sample size and study duration raises questions about the reliability of the conclusions drawn.
Key findings
- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.
- No specific numeric findings provided.
- Sample size not disclosed.
- Duration of treatment not specified.
- Primary and secondary outcomes not detailed.