In a landmark decision for veterinary medicine, the Italian government has authorized the use of Remdesivir to treat Feline Infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. The authorization follows years of advocacy from veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and concerned pet owners.

Undersecretary of health Marcello Gemmato announced the decision, which has been celebrated as a significant victory by those who have long campaigned for legal access to the drug. Remdesivir has already been approved for veterinary use in other European countries, including the UK and the Netherlands.

Understanding Feline Infectious Peritonitis

FIP is a severe and often fatal disease caused by a mutated feline coronavirus. It is indeed notably prevalent in shelters and outdoor cat colonies. Without treatment, FIP is fatal in over 90% of diagnosed cases.

The lack of authorized treatment options in Italy previously forced cat owners to seek unregulated sources, pay exorbitant prices, or even resort to smuggling medication from abroad.

“This was a promise made to millions of Italian families living with a cat,” said Gemmato. “It’s a concrete answer for those who have waited years for a solution to a disease that has taken too many lives.”

Remdesivir to the Rescue

remdesivir (commercial name Veklury), initially developed for human use during the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating FIP. Under the new authorization,licensed veterinarians can prescribe the drug “in derogation” under their direct responsibility.

According to Gemmato,this decision fulfills a promise to countless Italian families. the authorization bypasses previous restrictions and aligns with existing EU legislation,ahead of the August 2026 deadline.

A Victory for Animal Welfare

animal welfare advocate and former minister Michela Vittoria Brambilla, who championed the parliamentary campaign for this change, hailed the decision as “a major achievement.” She stated, “Thousands of cats will be saved. Until now, people were stuck in a heartbreaking paradox: knowing there was a cure, available abroad, but not legally accessible here.”

The previous lack of legal access to Remdesivir led to a black market, where unregulated versions of the drug were sold at inflated prices. With the new approval, Remdesivir can be legally obtained through veterinary pharmacies and licensed distributors, as outlined by Italy’s 2023 veterinary drug legislation.