FOI release

FOI ATI1145 – Special Import Certficates (SICs) for Zenrelia

Published 5 February 2026

1. ATI1145 Request

• How many SICs were granted for the importation of Zenrelia prior to the GB approval of the MA, and what quantity of product was this for.

• What rationale was provided by the applicants in respect of the need to import Zenrelia, when multiple other products indicated for the treatment of allergic and atopic dermatitis are authorised for use, and freely available in GB.

• What assessment of the SIC applications was performed by the VMD and what justification can they provide for granting the SICs, bearing in mind the availability of other products for the same indications.

In addition, please can the VMD provide the same information, but in relation to Numelvi (atinvicitinib) from MSD.

• Have the VMD granted any SICs for Numelvi? If so, how many have been granted and what quantity of product was this for.

• What rationale was provided by the applicants in respect of the need to import Numelvi, when multiple other products indicated for the treatment of allergic and atopic dermatitis are authorised for use, and freely available in GB.

• What assessment of the SIC applications was performed by the VMD and what justification can they provide for granting the SICs, bearing in mind the availability of other products for the same indications.

2. Our reply

• How many SICs were granted for the importation of Zenrelia prior to the GB approval of the MA, and what quantity of product was this for.

Zenrelia received a GB MA on 7th July 2025. Prior to this date, four Special Import Certificates (SICs) were granted to UK veterinary surgeons. The quantity specified on these certificates amounts to 390 tablets.

• What rationale was provided by the applicants in respect of the need to import Zenrelia, when multiple other products indicated for the treatment of allergic and atopic dermatitis are authorised for use, and freely available in GB.

We were informed vets needed to import an alternative medicine owing to pruritus not being sufficiently controlled by authorised products containing the active substances oclacitinib and lokivetmab or owing to adverse effects experienced for products containing the active substances ciclosporin and prednisolone, or lack of expected efficacy for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

• What assessment of the SIC applications was performed by the VMD and what justification can they provide for granting the SICs, bearing in mind the availability of other products for the same indications.

The VMD conducted an import benefit:risk assessment of the initial application received seeking an SIC for Zenrelia, in accordance with timelines and guidance stated on our website.

In addition, please can the VMD provide the same information, but in relation to Numelvi (atinvicitinib) from MSD.

• Have the VMD granted any SICs for Numelvi? If so, how many have been granted and what quantity of product was this for.
• What rationale was provided by the applicants in respect of the need to import Numelvi, when multiple other products indicated for the treatment of allergic and atopic dermatitis are authorised for use, and freely available in GB.
• What assessment of the SIC applications was performed by the VMD and what justification can they provide for granting the SICs, bearing in mind the availability of other products for the same indications.

The VMD have not issued any certificates naming Numelvi or containing the active substance, atinvicitinib.