Ceva Animal Health has launched Isemid (Torasemide), a once-a-day diuretic for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs which the company says is as effective as furosemide.

The new drug represents the fruit of 8 years of product development and more than 11 proprietary studies performed by Ceva R&D teams. 

Marie Boutot, development project leader said: "Isemid is an original drug developed by Ceva, and was the subject of full pivotal efficacy and safety studies."

Ceva says the new drug has been recognised by the European Medicines Agency as a "2018 Innovation, advancing animal health". 

Isemid is presented as pork-flavoured, scored tablets in three strengths: 1, 2 and 4 mg. They can be administered orally once daily, with or without food. The company's research showed a 98% owner compliance (compared to 92% for furosemide, p<0.05) and 80% voluntary acceptance.

Emilie Guillot, DVM, Ceva Technical Manager for Cardiology said: "With Isemid, we seek to help veterinarians in their goal to improve survival of dogs with heart failure.

"But above all, thanks to its potent action and long half-life which allow once-daily dosing, we hope to ease owner compliance."

Scientific communications with data on Isemid were presented at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine forum in Phoenix in June and will be held at the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine congress in Milan in September.

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