EXPRESS: Palatability of sunflower oil-based versus aqueous verum formulations of molidustat in healthy cats

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the palatability of sunflower oil-based and aqueous verum formulations of molidustat in healthy cats in a one bowl study with two groups in a parallel design.MethodsSixteen adult cats (six males and ten females) were divided into two groups of eight animals. Healthy cats trained on voluntary intake of a water/milk mixture offered in a bowl at daily volumes of 0.5 mL/animal over four study days (SD -4 to SD -1) were included in the study. Daily general health observations were performed throughout the study. After the training, each cat was offered daily 0.2 mL/kg body weight of the same test formulation in a bowl for seven consecutive days (SD 0 to SD 6). The palatability of formulations was assessed individually by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS), based on voluntary intake. The study ended on SD 7 for both groups.ResultsVoluntary intake scores were higher in cats of Group 1 offered the sunflower oil-based suspension of molidustat. In contrast, almost no voluntary intake, even when cats were encouraged, was observed for the aqueous suspension of molidustat (Group 2).Conclusions and relevanceThis study demonstrated that molidustat in a sunflower oil-based suspension was very palatable to healthy cats. In contrast, the aqueous formulation was clearly unpalatable.