News & Trends2026-05-08Carelogy編集部
FeliAIM Update: Cat CKD Drug Officially Filed April 2026 — Trade Name & Review Timeline
Dr. Toru Miyazaki's AIM-based feline CKD drug officially filed with Japan's MAFF on April 24, 2026 as 'FeliAIM'. Trade name origin, review timeline, expected availability, and what cat owners should prepare now.
Bottom Line: FeliAIM Filing in 3 Lines
1. April 24, 2026: IAM CAT Inc. officially filed with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for veterinary drug manufacturing approval
2. Trade name 'FeliAIM' has been finalized — selected from 10,132 entries by 4,931 submitters in a public naming campaign
3. Review typically takes 6-12 months; earliest prescriptions expected late 2026 to early 2027
The AIM-based cat drug, reported in January 2026 as 'targeting filing within the year,' completed its filing as scheduled on April 24. This article updates our existing piece 'AIM Drug Mechanism, Efficacy & Cost Explainer' with post-filing developments and owner preparation guidance.
The Origin of 'FeliAIM' and the Naming Campaign
What 'FeliAIM' means:
- Felis — Latin for 'cat'
- AIM — the active ingredient (Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage)
- Felice — Italian for 'joy' / 'happiness' (sound association)
Naming campaign scale:
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Total submitters | 4,931 |
| Total entries | 10,132 |
| Campaign period | ~2 months |
| Final decision | February 22, 2026 |
Why a public campaign:
Veterinary drug names are typically chosen internally by the manufacturer. IAM CAT prioritized the concept of 'a drug created together with cat lovers' — and aimed for SNS shareability. After the announcement, related posts exceeded 10,000 in 48 hours.
Other strong candidates (for context):
Amigocat, Nephelion, FeliCare — many entries balanced 'medical credibility' with 'lovable' tones.
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50개국 230,000명 이상의 보호자가 사용 중
Post-Filing Review Process: When Will Vets Be Able to Prescribe?
Standard review schedule for veterinary drugs:
| Phase | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| ① Filing acceptance | 1 month post-filing | Document completeness check |
| ② Main review | 6-12 months | Safety, efficacy, quality review |
| ③ Approval | Post-review | Gazette publication |
| ④ Manufacturing setup | 2-3 months | Mass production at factory |
| ⑤ Vet clinic distribution | 1-2 months | Nationwide distribution via wholesalers |
Earliest scenario: December 2026 approval → March 2027 prescriptions begin
Standard scenario: April 2027 approval → July 2027 prescriptions begin
Delayed scenario: If additional trials are requested, extension by 1-2 years possible
Possible mid-review information requests:
- Additional analysis of clinical trial data
- Detailed manufacturing process records
- Enhanced adverse reaction monitoring framework
These can extend review by 3-6 months.
Likely rollout priority order:
1. University vet schools and animal medical centers
2. Secondary care facilities (referral-only specialty hospitals)
3. General clinics with CKD treatment experience
4. Other clinics
5 Things to Prepare Now if Your Cat Already Has CKD
Time remains before FeliAIM is prescribable. Use it to prepare so you can transition smoothly when prescriptions begin.
1. Share 'new drug interest' with your vet
- Have them note 'wants FeliAIM' in your cat's chart
- Helps the clinic gather manufacturer info early
2. Know your cat's exact CKD stage
- Which IRIS stage (1-4) applies
- Record latest creatinine, SDMA, urine specific gravity, blood pressure
- Details: Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Guide
3. Continue optimizing existing treatment
| Treatment | Check point |
|---|---|
| Renal therapeutic diet | Stage-appropriate selection |
| Subcutaneous fluid | Volume and frequency review |
| Phosphorus binder | Adjust based on serum phosphorus |
| Antihypertensive | Target BP <135 mmHg |
4. Maintain continuous health records
- Log weight, appetite, hydration, urine output weekly
- Past data helps evaluate new drug effectiveness
- A daily smartphone photo via CatsMe is sufficient
5. Estimate treatment costs
- Trial data suggests ¥30,000-50,000 monthly
- Insurance holders should confirm new-drug coverage
- Pre-calculate out-of-pocket impact
Setting Realistic Expectations: FeliAIM's Limits and Indications
Critical caveat:
First understand that FeliAIM is NOT a drug that completely restores kidney function.
Expected benefits (estimated from trial data):
- Significantly slowed progression
- Reduced stage advancement speed
- Quality of life (QOL) improvement
- Extended median survival (in years)
Do NOT expect:
- Recovery of already-lost kidney function
- Dramatic improvement in end-stage (stage 4) cases
- Effects on other diseases (hyperthyroidism, heart disease, etc.)
Anticipated indications (final per the approval label):
- IRIS stages 1-3 likely the focus
- Earlier intervention may yield greater benefit
- Stage 4 with severe dehydration / uremia may be contraindicated
Concomitant treatments will continue:
FeliAIM alone won't solve everything — co-administration with therapeutic diet, fluid therapy, antihypertensives is presumed. Existing treatment must continue alongside the new drug.
The value of early detection:
To maximize FeliAIM's benefit, early detection at IRIS stage 1-2 is key. Cats over 7 should have twice-yearly health checkups.
Use CatsMe to Visualize CKD Progression and Prepare for the New Drug
Past data is essential for evaluating new drug effects. Starting CatsMe records now means you can precisely assess 'what changed before vs after' with your vet when FeliAIM is prescribed.
What CatsMe offers:
- AI health score — visualize whole-body condition from one photo, track monthly changes
- Appetite & hydration log — easily record the daily indicators that matter most for CKD cats
- Weight trend graph — early detection of weight loss, a key progression sign
- Vet-ready PDF reports — bring to appointments to save consult time
- New drug & supplement log — track start date and effects chronologically
Use as FeliAIM preparation:
1. Starting today, log a health score weekly
2. Monthly, send past-data PDF report to your vet
3. By prescription start, have 6 months of baseline data
4. One month post-administration, present objective effect-evaluation data
Start managing your cat's CKD with CatsMe → (3-day free trial)
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FAQ
References
This article is compiled and summarized by the Carelogy editorial team based on publicly available information from the following veterinary organizations, universities, and clinical manuals.
- 一般社団法人AIM医学研究所. AIM猫薬「FeliAIM」の製造販売承認申請に関するお知らせ (2026).
- 株式会社IAM CAT. AIM猫薬の販売名が決定いたしました！ (2026).
- International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). IRIS Staging of CKD (2023).
- American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). AAFP/ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease (2024).
- 農林水産省 動物医薬品検査所 (NVAL). 動物用医薬品の承認審査について (2026).
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