Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that Vetmedin has been granted a new licensed indication: for the treatment of asymptomatic mitral valve disease (MVD), and cardiomegaly.

The research on which the new indication is based is described by Boehringer as the largest and most cutting-edge study in veterinary cardiology.

The EPIC study (Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with asymptomatic MVD and Cardiomegaly)¹ demonstrated that Vetmedin delayed the onset of heart failure for dogs with asymptomatic MVD, providing on average 15 months additional symptom-free time, as well as extending overall survival. 

Indeed, Boehringer says the worldwide study was so conclusive - involving 360 dogs, in 36 centres, in 11 countries across four continents - that it was terminated early as it was deemed unethical to withhold Vetmedin from dogs in the placebo group.

Panny Morgan, Vetmedin brand manager at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "Vetmedin delays the onset of heart failure in dogs with asymptomatic MVD and cardiomegaly, providing 15 months extra symptom-free time; that’s almost 10% of a dog’s lifetime.

"Prescribing Vetmedin to dogs with an MVD murmur and enlarged heart will not only extend a dog’s lifespan, but it will also have a major impact on their quality of life."

For further information on Vetmedin, contact your Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or visit www.vetmedin.co.uk. 

Reference

1. Boswood et al. Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study—A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Vet Intern Med 2016;30:1765–1779


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