Treat FIP ​​legally in Germany: A comprehensive guide for pet owners

A diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the worst news cat owners can receive. Until a few years ago, FIP was considered incurable, but today there is new hope - even if treatment is not always easy to implement. In this article you will learn everything you need to know to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany . We will look at the legal basis, available medications and the treatment process.


What is FIP and why is it so dangerous?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease caused by mutated coronaviruses in cats. Although many cats are carriers of the feline coronavirus (FCoV), only a small proportion of them develop the fatal form of the disease, FIP. There are two main forms of FIP:

  1. Wet FIP : Characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdominal or chest cavity.
  2. Dry FIP : manifests itself as nodular changes in organs such as the liver, kidneys or brain.

If left untreated, FIP almost always results in the death of the affected cat. But thanks to new antiviral drugs like GS-441524, there is hope for affected animals.


Treating FIP legally in Germany: The current status

The treatment of FIP has long been associated with legal uncertainty, as the most effective drugs - such as GS-441524 and Remdesivir - not approved as veterinary drugs in Germany. Nevertheless, there are now legal ways to use Formula Magistralis

What is a Formula Magistralis? - Treat FIP ​​legally in Germany

A Formula Magistralis refers to the production of a medication that is specifically made for an individual animal based on a veterinary prescription. This procedure is regulated in veterinary medicine law and offers a legally secure option to use unapproved active ingredients such as GS-441524 to treat FIP.


How does the legal treatment with GS-441524 work?

GS-441524 is an antiviral agent and the primary metabolite of remdesivir, a drug originally developed to treat COVID-19 in humans. It inhibits the replication of the FIP virus in the cells, allowing the cat's immune system to fight the infection.

Treat FIP ​​legally in Germany
Treat FIP ​​legally in Germany 2

Dosage and administration

The dosage of GS-441524 depends on the cat's weight and the severity of the disease. Daily administration for at least 12 weeks is often recommended. It is usually administered in the form of an oral paste prepared specifically for the cat. That's why it's good and important that there is finally a legal way for German veterinarians to help here.

Chances of success of the treatment

Treatment with GS-441524 shows impressive success in many cases. Studies and reports from veterinarians and pet owners report a healing rate of over 80%. However, success depends on factors such as the cat's health and timely diagnosis.


Legal situation in Germany: What do pet owners need to know?

The legal basis for treatment with GS-441524 in Germany is regulated in the Veterinary Medicines Act (TAMG). According to Section 14 Paragraph 2 of the TAMG, an unapproved medication may be manufactured as part of a Formula Magistralis upon a veterinary prescription.

Here is the original source from November 7th, 2024 - Vetidata:


GS-441524: Legal option for FIP treatment

Veterinarians practicing in Germany now finally have a legally compliant option for treating Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). The reason for this is that a pharmacy in France ( Pharmacy Delpech Paris ) prepares an oral paste containing GS-441524 on a veterinary prescription and sends it to animal owners.

The antiviral agent GS-441524, which is not approved as a human or veterinary drug, is the main metabolite of the antiviral drug remdesivir. The active ingredient remdesivir is centrally approved as a human medicine under the name Veklury 100 mg infusion concentrate and, to our knowledge, is only supplied by the manufacturer to human medicine clinics in Germany, so this finished medicine is not available for veterinary use.

In order to close the therapy gap due to the unavailability of Veklury containing remdesivir for veterinary use, veterinary medicine law provides for the occasional preparation of a formula magistralis according to a veterinary prescription in the next reclassification stage. However, this preparation must take place in an EU member state, which is now guaranteed by Delpech-vet.

The formula magistralis may only be prepared in individual cases with a veterinary prescription for a specific animal or a small group of animals, so that the preparation must be carried out on a case-by-case basis and can only begin when the individual "prescription" is available in the pharmacy. The prepared formula magistralis may only be sent by the pharmacy to the animal owner ( Section 14 paragraph 2 number 1 letter b of the Veterinary Medicines Act).

Important legal requirements - treat FIP ​​legally in Germany

  • Individual prescription: The medication may only be prescribed for a specific animal or a small group of animals.
  • Manufacture in the EU: Formula Magistralis must be prepared in an EU member state. In this context, the Pharmacy Delpech in Paris is one of the best-known contact points.
  • Direct shipping: The manufactured medication may only directly to the pet owner.

Process of treatment: step-by-step instructions

1. Secure the diagnosis treat FIP ​​legally

Before treatment can begin, the diagnosis of FIP must be confirmed by a veterinarian. This can be done through blood tests, ultrasound, and examination of fluid buildup.

2. Receive a prescription from the vet - treat FIP ​​legally in Germany

The veterinarian writes a prescription for the preparation of Formula Magistralis. This recipe must contain the following information:

  • Cat's name and weight
  • Diagnosis (FIP)
  • Active ingredient (e.g. GS-441524)
  • Dosage and duration of treatment
  • Veterinarian contact details

For veterinarians, we have a recipe suggestion with a French translation available for download .

3. Order from a pharmacy - treat FIP ​​legally in Germany

The prescription is sent to a specialized pharmacy capable of producing GS-441524. Pharmacy Delpech in France is one of the few pharmacies that offer this service.

4. Administration and monitoring treat FIP ​​legally

Once the medication is delivered, treatment begins. The veterinarian monitors the progress of the therapy and adjusts the dosage if necessary.

FIP treatment process

Process of legal FIP treatment

1. Make a diagnosis

The veterinarian confirms the diagnosis of FIP through blood tests, ultrasound and other examinations.

2. Issue prescription

The veterinarian will create a recipe for the preparation of Formula Magistralis specifically for your animal.

3. Order from the pharmacy

The prescription is sent to an approved EU pharmacy (e.g. Pharmacy Delpech Paris).

4. Manufacturing and Shipping

The pharmacy prepares the prescription and sends it directly to the pet owner.

5. Administration of the medication

Treatment with GS-441524 paste is carried out daily under veterinary supervision.

6. Monitoring and adjustment

The veterinarian will review the course of treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.


Cost of FIP treatment

Treatment with GS-441524 is not favorable. The cost depends on the dosage, duration of treatment and the cat's weight. On average, the total costs can amount to several thousand euros. However, many pet owners are willing to make this investment to save their cat's life.


Testimonials from pet owners

Many pet owners report positive experiences with treating FIP. Some cats show improvement in their condition after just a few days. However, it is important to remain realistic: not every cat responds equally well to treatment, and in some cases relapses may occur.


Support and exchange for affected animal owners

For pet owners who are faced with the diagnosis of FIP, exchanging ideas with other affected people can be a valuable help. There are clubs and online communities that provide information and support, including:

What is FIP and why is legal treatment complicated in Germany?

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious and often fatal viral disease in cats caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). While many cats are infected with the coronavirus, only a few actually develop FIP. There are two main forms: wet (exudative) and dry (non-exudative) FIP.
Treatment has long been complicated because until a few years ago there no approved drug that was effective against FIP. The best chance of recovery was offered by an active ingredient called GS-441524 , which comes from human medical research and is closely related to the COVID-19 drug remdesivir .
However, GS-441524 is not approved as a veterinary drug in Germany. This means that it cannot simply be obtained as a finished medicine from a pharmacy. be legally obtained
through a special one-off product – the so-called Formula Magistralis Thanks to this possibility, veterinarians are now allowed to prescribe GS-441524, which is then manufactured in a pharmacy within the EU. This finally offers cat owners a legally secure option to treat their animals.

What is a Formula Magistralis and why is it so important for FIP treatment?

A Formula Magistralis is a medication specifically made for an individual patient (in this case a cat) based on a doctor's or veterinarian's prescription. This formulation is particularly relevant if no approved finished medicinal product is available.
In the context of FIP treatment, this means that a veterinarian can write GS-441524 or remdesivir This preparation is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Veterinary Medicines Act (TAMG) and is therefore legal .
The most important requirements for a Formula Magistralis:
It may only be prescribed
individual cases The production must take place in an EU member state (e.g. by the Pharmacy Delpech Paris ).
Delivery may only be made directly to the animal owner and not through intermediaries.
Thanks to this regulation, cats with FIP can now be treated legally in Germany, provided the legal framework is adhered to.

What is the process of legal FIP treatment?

The treatment takes place in several steps and requires close cooperation between the pet owner, the veterinarian and a specialized pharmacy.
Diagnosis by the veterinarian:
Blood tests, ultrasound examinations and other diagnostic procedures confirm the diagnosis of FIP.
Issue a prescription:
The veterinarian creates a prescription for Formula Magistralis with the following information: Name and weight of the cat
Diagnosis (FIP)
Active ingredient (e.g. GS-441524)
Dosage and duration of treatment
Contact details of the veterinarian
Send prescription to the pharmacy:
This Prescription is sent to an approved EU pharmacy (e.g. Pharmacy Delpech Paris).
Manufacturing and shipping:
The pharmacy produces the oral paste and sends it directly to the pet owner.
Begin treatment:
Administration is daily for 12 weeks under veterinary supervision.
Monitoring and adjustment:
The veterinarian regularly monitors the cat's health and adjusts the dosage if necessary.
This structured process ensures that the treatment complies with legal requirements and offers the best possible chance of recovery.

What are the costs of treating FIP in Germany?

Treating FIP with GS-441524 is relatively expensive because the drug is not available as a finished preparation and must be custom-made.
Cost factors:
Diagnostics: blood tests, ultrasound and examinations to confirm the diagnosis (approx. 200-400 EUR).
Drug: The cost depends on the weight of the cat and the duration of treatment. On average 50-70 EUR per 2 ml dose.
Treatment duration: approx. 12 weeks.
Total costs: between 2,000 and 5,000 EUR .
Additional veterinary costs: check-ups and possibly additional medication against accompanying symptoms.
Financing options:
Some pet owners resort to fundraising campaigns or partial payments because the costs can be difficult to bear all at once. There are also associations like #gemeinsamgegenfip eV that provide support.

What are the chances of success with treatment with GS-441524?

Treatment with GS-441524 is considered groundbreaking and has dramatically improved the prognosis for cats with FIP.
Success rates:
Studies show cure rates of 80-90% with early diagnosis and consistent treatment.
After just a few days, many cats show a noticeable improvement in their condition.
Long-term experience:
After complete treatment over 12 weeks, most cats are considered cured .
Relapses are rare but can occur with incomplete treatment or severely weakened animals.
Important factors for success:
Early start of treatment: The earlier the treatment starts, the better the chances.
Regular checks: The veterinarian should closely monitor the progress.
Adhering to the dosage exactly: Dosage errors can jeopardize the success of the therapy.
Although the cost is high, the therapy offers a real chance of defeating a previously incurable disease and saving the cat's life.


Conclusion: hope for FIP patients

The ability to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany represents a significant advance in veterinary medicine. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has long been a fatal diagnosis, but thanks to new medications such as GS-441524, cat owners can now treat FIP ​​legally in Germany . The way to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany is through the production of a Formula Magistralis , which is made specifically for a specific animal based on a doctor's prescription.

In order to legally treat FIP ​​in Germany , pet owners must first receive a confirmed diagnosis from a veterinarian. A prescription is then issued, which forms the basis for obtaining the required medication and thus treating FIP legally in Germany . The formulation is manufactured in a licensed pharmacy in an EU member state, which allows FIP to be treated legally in Germany without violating the Medicines Act.

The treatment often takes place over a period of 12 weeks, with the dosage being determined individually in order to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany and to ensure the best possible chances of recovery. Many cat owners report success after deciding to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany . It is particularly important that the veterinarian remains closely involved in the process throughout the entire therapy to ensure that the guidelines are adhered to and the treatment is safe.

Another key point in treating FIP legally in Germany is the cost. Since it is an individual prescription, the treatment can cost several thousand euros. of treating FIP legally in Germany offers a real perspective for affected cats and their owners.

As the demand to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany has increased, specialized pharmacies such as Pharmacy Delpech in Paris specialized in producing corresponding recipes. These pharmacies ensure that medication supplies run smoothly and that pet owners treat FIP ​​legally in Germany .

For animal owners who decide to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany , support from associations like #gemeinsamgegenfip eV a valuable addition. These organizations offer information and practical help to better understand and successfully implement of treating FIP legally in Germany

Since it is possible to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany , no pet owner should give up hope. The chances of recovery are over 80%, which makes the decision to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany a sensible investment. legally treating FIP in Germany by issuing prescriptions .

In summary, the introduction of Formula Magistralis allows cat owners to legally treat FIP ​​in Germany without violating existing regulations. This gives those affected a realistic chance of saving their cats and treating FIP legally in Germany , without having to resort to unofficial or questionable sources.

Continuous monitoring during therapy ensures that the animals' health status is improved. For many owners, the option to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany the last resort in a seemingly hopeless situation.

Although the costs can be high, the possibility of treating FIP legally in Germany a perspective for a healthy and long life for the cat. Veterinarians and pharmacies work together to ensure that every step necessary to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany complies with legal requirements.

Anyone who decides on treatment early can ensure, through close cooperation with veterinarians and pharmacies, that all the necessary steps are correctly implemented to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany . The availability of special medications and the legal security of treating FIP legally in Germany offer a real chance of a cure.

to treat FIP ​​legally in Germany offers hope and security to affected cats and their owners. Thanks to clear legal frameworks and the support of specialized pharmacies, cat owners can now treat FIP ​​legally in Germany and give their animals a second chance.

Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or veterinary advice . It cannot replace an individual legal assessment, veterinary examination or diagnosis. For legal questions, please contact an attorney, and for your pet's health, be sure to consult a qualified veterinarian .

Scroll up