Fortetropin® Studies: Real-World Evidence for Veterinary Practices
Here at MYOS, we are often asked how we go about choosing our pet population for our clinical studies. As much as we like to take credit for the protocols, it really comes from the veterinarians at the university hospitals that conduct the research and along with input from our Vet Advisory Board.
Our research program is built around a simple, powerful principle: conduct studies in real-world veterinary clinics with actual pet-patients with diverse backgrounds, health conditions, and lifestyles. Our goal with this approach it to ensure our findings are directly relevant and translatable to practicing veterinarians and the pet owners they serve.
Why Real-World Clinical Studies Matter
By enrolling actual patients in clinics-pets with naturally occurring conditions and the full spectrum of comorbidities, medications, and home environments-we generate data that mirrors the outcomes veterinarians see every day. This real-world approach enhances the practical significance of our results, making them more trustworthy and actionable for clinicians.
Our Key Clinical Studies
1. TPLO Recovery: Preventing Muscle Atrophy After Surgery
Study Overview:
At Kansas State University, we conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 100 client-owned dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Dogs were assigned to receive either Fortetropin or a placebo for twelve weeks post-surgery.
Breed Diversity:
The study population reflected the diversity seen in daily practice. The most common breeds represented were:
- Labrador Retriever (n = 23)
- Labrador Retriever mix (n = 9)
- Golden Retriever (n = 9)
- Boxer (n = 5)
- American Bulldog (n = 4)
- Rottweiler (n = 4)
- American Staffordshire Terrier (n = 3)
- American Staffordshire Terrier mix (n = 3)
The remaining 40 dogs were distributed across 31 different breeds and mixed breeds, ensuring broad representation and real-world relevance.
Findings:
- Dogs receiving Fortetropin maintained thigh circumference, while those in the placebo group experienced significant muscle loss.
- Serum myostatin levels (a key inhibitor of muscle growth) remained stable in the Fortetropin® group but increased in the placebo group.
- Both groups improved in stance force, but only Fortetropin prevented disuse muscle atrophy during the period of restricted activity.
Clinical Impact:
These results support Fortetropin as a tool to help prevent muscle wasting during recovery, enabling faster rehabilitation and improved outcomes for orthopedic patients.
2. Geriatric and Arthritic Dogs: Enhancing Mobility and Quality of Life
Study Overview:
A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study at Kansas State University focused on 46 geriatric and arthritic dogs of different breeds, supplementing their diets with Fortetropin or a macronutrient-matched placebo. Mobility was assessed using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire completed by clinic pet owners.
Findings:
- Dogs receiving Fortetropin showed statistically significant improvements in mobility at both 6 and 12 weeks, as measured by LOAD scores.
- The placebo group showed no significant improvement.
- Fortetropin supplementation may reduce the need for long-term NSAID use, offering a safer alternative for managing sarcopenia and mobility loss in aging pets.
Clinical Impact:
By addressing muscle loss-a key factor in declining mobility-Fortetropin provides veterinarians with a valuable, complementary tool for multimodal osteoarthritis management, improving both patient function and quality of life.
3. CKD in Cats: Preserving Muscle Mass in Chronic Disease
Study Overview:
At North Carolina State University’s nutrition department nutrition we evaluated Fortetropin in the client cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD)-a population prone to muscle wasting due to dietary protein restrictions and disease-related catabolism. The study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled.
Findings:
- 70% of cats supplemented with Fortetropin experienced increased lean muscle mass over 12 weeks.
- No adverse effects were observed, and key renal parameters (BUN, creatinine, phosphorus) remained stable.
- The supplement was highly palatable and well-tolerated, even in this sensitive population.
Clinical Impact:
For CKD patients, maintaining muscle mass is critical for mobility and overall health. Fortetropin offers a unique solution, providing muscle support without exacerbating renal disease.
Our Approach: Translating Research to Everyday Practice
By conducting studies in real-world settings with actual veterinary patients, our research captures the complexity and diversity that define clinical practice. The successes and challenges we observe are the same as those faced by veterinarians in their exam rooms. This approach ensures our data is not only scientifically robust but also directly applicable-empowering clinicians to make informed, evidence-based decisions for their patients.
Conclusion
Fortetropin is supported by a growing body of real-world clinical evidence across a range of conditions-from post-surgical recovery to chronic disease and geriatric care. Our commitment to authentic, practice-based research ensures that our findings are meaningful for veterinarians and the pets they care for. As muscle health becomes increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of veterinary medicine, Fortetropin stands out as a safe, effective, and practical solution for improving outcomes in everyday practice.