Hypersomatotropism is an underlying cause of insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus in cats. Pasireotide, a somatostatin analog, improves hypersomatotropism control in humans.
In this 5-day study, 12 cats were treated with short-acting pasireotide twice a day on days 2 through 4. All had significantly lower serum insulin-like growth factor-1, a biomarker for hypersomatotropism, on day 5 as compared with baseline. Blood glucose curves on days 1 and 5 were unchanged; however, the required insulin dose was lower. Three cats experienced diarrhea; 5 had subclinical hypoglycemia that resolved with feeding. The authors conclude that pasireotide effectively manages hypersomatotropism in cats and causes increased insulin sensitivity.
This capsule is part of the One Health Initiative.