What About the Scammers?
Did you know some FIP Facebook groups take advantage of anxious, frightened cat owners who receive a new FIP diagnosis? They’ve been told by their vets to "look online and on Facebook for FIP groups" and not always name a specific group but one that can "help connect to treatment." This is where the problems begin. The barriers to owners finding safe groups include some who are pushy and disparage the true research and current protocols. They "sound too good to be true” and often come with a hefty price tag. One group leader convinces owners NOT to use scientifically proven and trusted GS-441524. The group owner claims that GS441524 is "made in Chinese garages and that it's "horrible and inhumane to give cats painful injections," which is entirely false. They convince frightened parents to buy their price-inflated oral product—not GS-441524, but "Espiravir," also known as Molnupiravir or EIDD2801. This human COVID-19 treatment is currently used cautiously worldwide in cases of resistance to GS-441524. Although Molnupiravir (EIDD2801) can effectively treat FIP, EIDD is recommended at this time only for cats who become resistant to GS-441524. EIDD still needs proper trials and testing and has proven toxic in cats when not correctly used. (Page 32) This dishonest practice and untruths are disrespectful to the research proving the safety and effectiveness of GS in cats and to the price-gouging of cat owners. The fact is, Molnupiravir is very inexpensive, and owners are charged thousands of dollars above the actual cost. It's not only unethical and dishonest, but it puts cats at risk for long-term effects. (Note: Molnupiravir costs $1 per gram on average.) In many countries, Molnupiravir is controlled and monitored by veterinarians. For some people around the world, that's their only option. However, in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe, GS is the safe, preferred option. The respectable FIP groups refer owners to many affordable options and will do everything possible to ensure that all cats receive safe and effective GS treatment. The GS suppliers that reputable FIP groups like Help For FIP® recommend are trusted because the products undergo U.S.-based testing for purity and concentration before they are recommended. Page 43
