Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, has been a characteristically fatal viral disease for at least half a century. Using previous therapies, cat parents had little hope that their stricken cats would survive.

But now, there’s a novel compound that could change all that. GS-441524 — the active metabolite of the antiviral, remdesivir [rehm-DEHS-ah-veer] — has been shown to be safe and effective in treating cats with FIP. Clinical trials have been primarily conducted in Australia and the UK, and until now, the injectable drug hasn’t been available in the United States. Now, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the compounding of GS-441524 into an oral formulation when prescribed by a veterinarian.

Talk to your veterinarian if you want to learn more about this game-changing drug