Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP, is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV is extremely common, and most cats show minor GI symptoms if anything. The majority eliminate the virus without incident or intervention. In a small percentage of cats, however, the virus mutates and leaves the intestine, leading to severe symptoms and almost always death.

Can FIP be treated?

Technically yes, but in practice no! There is a medication called GS-441524 that effectively treats FIP in up to 80% of cats. Gilead Sciences, the company that created the medication, has refused to seek FDA approval for veterinary use. This forces desperate rescues and pet owners to turn to the black market and off-label use to save their feline family members.

How can you help?

1. Sign the petition

Add your name to the “Fight FIP” petition.

Below is a sample letter you can copy and paste. Letters sent by snail mail have the most impact, and you can also send via email. Just be sure to fill out the highlighted portions with your personalization, and remember to keep it respectful.

Dear Mr. O’Day,

I’m writing as an animal welfare advocate. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a devastating feline disease that inevitably leads to death when untreated. We are losing thousands of cats every year to FIP, but there is something you can do to help!

GS-441524 has already been proven safe and effective in the treatment of FIP both in a formal study (Pederson et al., 2019) and by private pet owners who have managed to save their pets though off-label use. GS-441524 has also been approved for veterinary use in the UK and Australia already, and it’s time for the United States to join them.

[Optional: write a few sentences about why this issue is important to you]

I urge you to take steps to obtain approval of GS-441524 for veterinary use in the United States. This will make an enormous difference for animal rescue work and families with beloved feline companions. 

Thank you very much for your attention.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Send printed copy to:

Gilead Sciences
333 Lakeside Drive
Foster City, CA 94404

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