Boehringer Ingelheim's Vetmedin Solution (pimobendan oral solution) has received FDA approval for managing signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. This marks the first oral solution approved for treating CHF caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The approval offers a new, easy-to-administer option, particularly beneficial for smaller dogs.
Clinical Significance
Heart disease affects approximately 10% of dogs, with MMVD accounting for about 75% of cases seen in veterinary practices across North America. Both MMVD and DCM can progress to CHF, a condition where the heart cannot effectively pump blood, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and body. Daniel Watkins, vice president of US Pet Business for Boehringer Ingelheim, stated that Vetmedin Solution aims to improve survival and quality of life for dogs with heart disease.
Vetmedin Product Line
The Vetmedin brand, which includes Vetmedin Chewable Tablets, has been available for 25 years. These tablets are indicated for managing mild, moderate, or severe canine CHF caused by MMVD or DCM. Vetmedin-CA1 is also conditionally approved by the FDA to delay the onset of heart failure symptoms in dogs with stage B2 preclinical MMVD. The oral solution and chewable tablets can be used concurrently on a case-by-case basis.
Efficacy and Safety
The FDA's approval was based on demonstrating the bioequivalence of Vetmedin Solution to Vetmedin Chewable Tablets. Studies have shown that pimobendan can increase survival time and improve the quality of life in dogs with MMVD or DCM.
One study comparing pimobendan to benazepril hydrochloride showed that dogs treated with pimobendan had smaller heart sizes, higher body temperatures, and less water retention, although the incidence of arrhythmia was similar in both groups. Another study found that dogs receiving pimobendan had a median survival of 415 days compared to 128 days for those not receiving pimobendan.
Adverse effects reported in a clinical study of Vetmedin Chewable Tablets included poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Other reported effects were azotemia, weakness and ataxia, pleural effusion, syncope, and cough. Sudden death was reported in 6% of dogs in the study, with a similar prevalence of adverse effects in the control group receiving enalapril maleate.
The safety of Vetmedin Solution has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or CHF caused by conditions other than MMVD or DCM. It has also not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months with congenital heart defects, those with diabetes or other serious metabolic diseases, or in dogs used for breeding, or are pregnant or lactating.
