Study to evaluate the efficacy of topical hyaluronic acid for feline chronic gingivostomatitis

Objective: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a debilitating condition that often requires full mouth extraction and/or intensive medical management. Despite these interventions, unmet need persists for new therapies.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has demonstrated therapeutic benefits in analogous human pathologies, such as aphthous ulcers, oral lichen planus, and in furcation defects. A recent pilot study in 16 FCGS patients revealed that 75% of cats improved clinically and on Stomatitis Disease Activity Index (SDAI) scores with topical HA application. Suggesting that HA may be an important new therapeutic option. This second longer-term study seeks to evaluate the efficacy/safety of topical HA for FCGS cats at 7 days, 30 days, and 60 days.
Animals: Felines with confirmed diagnosis of FCGS. Additional inclusion / exclusion criteria:

• Inclusion Criteria:

o Either treatment-naïve or refractory to surgical and therapeutic interventions.
o Owner consent to participate and ability to comply with topical applications and study follow-up.

• Exclusion Criteria:

o Severe systemic illness unrelated to stomatitis.
o COHAT/extractions within 3 months from enrollment.
o Any changes to existing treatment regimen within 1 month from enrollment through study period.
Procedures: After consent and intake demographics, patients are assessed for baseline stomatitis severity via the SDAI scoring system and clinical photographs. Clients are educated on topical application of HA gel, and the first application is placed in the veterinary providers office. Clients are provided HA gel for once-daily home applications through day 60. Patients’ SDAI score is reassessed in office at Day 7, 30 and 60.
Results and Conclusions: The initial HA pilot study of 16 FCGS patients concluded that 75 % (p=.007) of patients improved, there were no adverse effects, and that topical applications was a feasible at-home regimen. This submission is for a trial out to Day 60, with scoring at Day 7, 30 and 60. Full enrollment and analysis are pending with final manuscripts forthcoming once data is collected and evaluated.