The main goal of this study is to determine the potential efficacy of a new immune stimulant (LTC) for treatment of cats with wet form of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) that is caused by a feline coronavirus. Our preliminary results suggest that the LTC can stimulate broad interferon production in cats; Interferons are I are important for host defense from viral infections, such as coronaviruses. LTC is a potent immunostimulant that helps cats to fight viral infections and we have demonstrated its safety following subcutaneous (SC) injections in healthy cats.
We believe that LTC will activate the immune system of cats after SC injection and reverse the clinical signs of wet FIP. Cats of any age with wet form of FIP will be included in this study. The diagnosis will be based on their history, breed, age, physical examination, blood test results and using special molecular methods to confirm the presence of feline coronavirus in the fluid in the chest or abdomen. Cats will receive SC injections of LTC twice weekly for the first 4 weeks and then weekly for 8 weeks. All study cats will also be monitored monthly for additional 3 months after finishing the treatment protocol for any signs of recurrence of FIP.