Animal health specialist Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) announced on Wednesday that it has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Befrena (tirnovetmab), a new anti-IL31 monoclonal antibody (mAb) injection targeting canine allergic and atopic dermatitis.

Befrena is recommended at a dosing interval of 6 to 8 weeks post-treatment, compared with the 4 to 8 weeks of the current market competitor, lokivetmab.

Befrena is Elanco's second dermatology product approved in less than 18 months in the estimated USD1.3bn US canine dermatology market. It joins Zenrelia (ilunocitinib tablets), a once-daily oral JAK inhibitor for control of itching and inflammation associated with skin allergies in dogs at least 12 months of age.

Elanco expects to launch Befrena in the first half of 2026.