FIP Research

The science behind the FIP cure. Key studies explained in plain language — no medical jargon. Understanding the evidence helps you make better decisions for your cat.

From death sentence to treatable disease

Until 2018-2019, FIP was considered virtually 100% fatal. The research that changed everything came primarily from Dr. Niels Pedersen's group at UC Davis, who studied nucleoside analogues (particularly GS-441524) in cats with naturally acquired FIP. The results were transformative.

2019 Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Pedersen et al. — Efficacy of a 3C-like protease inhibitor in treating various forms of acquired feline infectious peritonitis

First landmark study demonstrating high efficacy of GC376 (protease inhibitor) in FIP cats. Established the proof of concept that FIP could be treated with antivirals.

2019 Key study Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Pedersen et al. — Role of GS-441524 in FIP treatment — Phase 1/2 clinical trial

Pivotal study of GS-441524 in 31 cats with naturally acquired FIP. 25/31 cats (80.6%) achieved sustained remission. Established GS-441524 as the primary FIP treatment.

2021 Key study Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Dickinson et al. — Antiviral treatment using the adenosine nucleoside analogue GS-441524 in cats with clinically diagnosed neurological feline infectious peritonitis

Study focused specifically on neurological FIP. 10 of 14 cats treated with higher-dose GS-441524 achieved sustained remission. Established higher dose requirements for CNS involvement.

2021 Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Addie et al. — Oral GS-441524 for treatment of FIP in cats — Updated data from the international FIP community

Retrospective analysis of oral GS-441524 efficacy. Demonstrated oral bioavailability sufficient for treatment, expanding accessible options for owners unable to administer injections.

2022 Emerging Veterinary Antivirals Research

Bhatt et al. — Molnupiravir for FIP in cats — early clinical experience

Early clinical data on Molnupiravir use in cats with FIP. Results comparable to GS-441524 for standard forms with the advantage of exclusive oral administration.

2023 Key study Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Wehner et al. — GS-441524 treatment outcomes in cats: a large retrospective multicenter study

Largest retrospective study to date: 244 cats with confirmed or highly probable FIP treated with GS-441524. Overall remission rate 87.3%. Neurological form had lower but still high remission rate (75.6%).

About the links

Study links point to PubMed. Some articles require institutional access to view full text. Most abstracts are freely available. We recommend discussing key studies with your veterinarian.

Science gave us the cure. Community made it accessible.

The FIP community has been instrumental in spreading knowledge of these treatments. Join thousands of families who have helped other cats survive.