IntroductionGS-441524 is the biologically active component of Remdesivir and has been widely used around the world to safely and effectively cure cats of feline infectious peritonitis (FlP) for over 18 months. FIP is a common and highly fatal disease of cats.

Function

GS-441524 is a small molecule with a scientific name of nucleoside triphosphate competitive inhibitor, which shows strong antiviral activity against many RNA viruses. It serves as an alternative substrate and RNA chain terminator for viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The non-toxic concentration of GS-441524 in feline cells is as high as 100, which effectively inhibits FIPV replication in CRFK cell culture and naturally infected cat peritoneal macrophages with a concentration as low as 1.

Q: What is GS?A: GS is short for GS-441524 which is an experimental anti-viral drug (nucleoside analog) that has cured cats with FIP in field trials conducted at UC Davis but Dr. Neils Pedersen and his team. See study here.

It is currently available as an injection or an oral medication although the oral version is still not widely available yet. Please ask an admin!

Q: How long is the treatment?

A: Recommended treatment based on Dr. Pedersen’s original field trial is a minimum of 12 weeks of daily sub-cutaneous injections.

Bloodwork should be checked at the end of 12 weeks and cat’s symptoms should be assessed to see if additional treatment is needed.

Q: What exactly are “neuro” or “ocular” cases?A: “Neuro” cat means that FIP has crossed the blood brain barrier and symptoms include central nervous system issues. Ataxia (weakness in my back legs especially), inability to jump fully without hesitation, lack of coordination and seizures may occur. Ocular involvement, which is common with the neurological form since the eyes and brain are closely connected, looks like this:

Q: How do I give the GS injections?A: The injections are given sub-cutaneously or “sub-cu” which means just under the skin. Injections are to be given every 24 hours at as close to the same time everyday as is possible for at least 12 weeks. The needle should NOT poke into the muscle of the cat. The GS stings upon injection but the pain is over as soon as the injection is over. There are several helpful videos that our members have posted showing how they inject and also many on YouTube. It’s best to have your vet do the first injection or two and to teach you how to do them. Kitties that are more difficult to restrain for the shots may require daily trips to the vet