A recent study by the Veterinary School of the University of Nicosia has identified potential new treatments for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal disease that affects cats.

According to a statement from the University of Nicosia, the research, published in the journal Veterinary Sciences, was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Manos Vlassiou, Dr. George Nicolaou, Dr. Kyriakos Spanoudis, and Dr. Daphne Mavridis. The study focused on the use of vitamins to inhibit a key viral enzyme.

FIP is caused by a feline coronavirus and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The research centered on two compounds—beta-tocotrienol and delta-tocotrienol, both forms of vitamin E—found to inhibit the virus’s main protease, which is critical for its replication.

Dr. Vlassiou stated that "the results suggest these compounds could form the basis for developing new treatments against FIP." While further studies are needed, the findings represent a promising first step in combating the disease, the announcement noted.