Boehringer Ingelheim launches VETMEDIN® Solution (pimobendan oral solution), first oral solution approved by the FDA for congestive heart failure in dogs

Duluth and Ingelheim, Tue, 11/26/2024 - 08:00

Heart disease in dogs is almost as common as it is in humans, affecting approximately 10 percent of dogs in their lifetime¹
Previous studies have shown that VETMEDIN^® could help improve the survival time and quality of life for dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)^2,3
The new VETMEDIN^® Solution offers pet owners a convenient, liquid oral treatment option for those dogs that prefer a liquid

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, launched VETMEDIN^® Solution, the first oral solution approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs due to MMVD or DCM.

Unfortunately, heart disease in dogs is common, affecting approximately 10 percent of dogs in their lifetime.¹ Most frequently, dogs are affected by myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), both which may progress to CHF, characterized by the inability of the heart to effectively pump blood throughout the body.

Now pet owners have a convenient, new management option to support the hearts of dogs with CHF: a liquid version of VETMEDIN^®, one of the leading canine cardiology medications in the world. Previous studies have shown that VETMEDIN^® could help increase the survival time and quality of life in dogs due to MMVD or DCM.^2,3

“We continue to deliver new innovations rooted in robust clinical evidence to help more pets,” said Daniel Watkins, VP US Pet Business, Boehringer Ingelheim. “We know some dogs and pet owners may prefer a liquid medication, especially for smaller dogs. With VETMEDIN^® Solution, an easy-to-use liquid formulation, we can help more dogs with heart disease have longer survival and live better lives.”

VETMEDIN^® Solution, now available in the U.S., provides the same dual mode of action as VETMEDIN^® Chewable Tablets. The flavorless, twice-daily liquid oral solution should be administered directly into the dog’s mouth.

Since VETMEDIN^® was first introduced 25 years ago, dogs and their owners around the world have enjoyed more than 1 million years of additional life to love.⁴ VETMEDIN^®Chewable Tablets are approved for the management of the signs of mild, moderate, or severe CHF in dogs due to clinical MMVD or DCM. VETMEDIN^® Chewable Tablets are indicated for use with concurrent therapy for congestive heart failure (e.g., furosemide, etc.) as appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

Boehringer Ingelheim also offers VETMEDIN^®-CA1 (pimobendan), which has FDA conditional approval for use in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical MMVD – which may enable a delay in the onset of heart failure symptoms.

For more information, visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

References

¹ Keene, Bruce W et al. “ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 33,3 (2019): 1127-1140. doi:10.1111/jvim.15488

²Häggström, J et al. “Longitudinal analysis of quality of life, clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease receiving pimobendan or benazepril: the QUEST study.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 27,6 (2013): 1441-51. doi:10.1111/jvim.12181

³Lombard, Christophe W et al. “Clinical efficacy of pimobendan versus benazepril for the treatment of acquired atrioventricular valvular disease in dogs.” Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association vol. 42,4 (2006): 249-61. doi:10.5326/0420249

⁴ Epidemiologic simulation of Vetmedin usage 1999-2024, based on EPIC 2016 JVIM (MMVD, stage B2), QUEST 2008 JVIM (MMVD, stage C), PROTECT 2012 JVIM (DCM, stage B2), O`Grady 2008 JVIM (DCM, stage C), Fuentes 2002 JVIM (DCM stage C) and BI-owned sales data.

Boehringer Ingelheim - Animal Health business

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/.

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