​​Boehringer Ingelheim receives approval for SENVELGO® in Europe: the first oral liquid medication for diabetic cats​ 

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for SENVELGO^® (active ingredient: velagliflozin), marking a significant step for the treatment of feline diabetes in Europe. Globally, SENVELGO^® is the first once-daily liquid oral solution for the reduction of hyperglycemia in cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This breakthrough innovation will make it easier for cat owners to fit the treatment of feline diabetes into their daily lives. 

Pet owners can give the once daily oral liquid solution with a small amount of food or directly into the cat’s mouth. As soon as one week after beginning treatment, SENVELGO^® improves the clinical signs of diabetes that cats experience by reducing elevated blood glucose levels and minimizing the risk of clinical hypoglycemic events.⁴ The novel drug comes in liquid form, the formulation that cats and cat owners prefer, according to studies.^5,6  

Dr. Stijn Niessen, independent global veterinary diabetes expert, says, "SENVELGO^® will revolutionize the management of feline diabetes in Europe in a way that improves the well-being of both cats and their owners. It eases the complexity and burden of feline diabetes treatment because of the apparent lack of danger for clinical hypoglycemia and removes the need for ongoing serial glucose monitoring. In this way, SENVELGO^® will help the majority of owners to efficiently control their cat’s condition, significantly improving quality of life.” 

Feline diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which occurs when a cat has insufficient levels of, or an abnormal response to insulin. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats, and this is expected to increase due to an increasing and growing cat population.^1,2 Unfortunately, nearly one out of three cats who are diagnosed with diabetes are euthanized within the first year of diagnosis, with the complexity required to treat diabetic cats often being a contributing factor.³  

Eric Haaksma, Head of Animal Health Global Innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim says “At Boehringer Ingelheim, our dedication lies in translating scientific progress into cutting-edge innovations for animals and their owners. The launch of SENVELGO^® underlines this ambition, offering a product that significantly enhances diabetic cat care and simplifies the lives of both cat owners and their feline companions.” 

Following the marketing authorization in the European Union, SENVELGO^® will be rolled out across EU countries. SENVELGO^® is already approved in Switzerland, Great Britain, and the U.S. The company also plans to launch SENVELGO^® in countries around the world, pending regulatory approvals. 

References 

¹Gottlieb S, Rand, J. Managing feline diabetes: current perspectives, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. 2018; 9:, 33-42, DOI: 10.2147/VMRR.S125619 

²Feline diabetes. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-diabetes 

³Niessen SJM et al., The Big Pet Diabetes Survey: Perceived Frequency and Triggers for Euthanasia. Vet Sci. 2017 May 14;4(2):27. 

⁴Data on File at Boehringer Ingelheim 

⁵Zimmering et al., Ease of Use of Semintra – Cat Owner Feedback Under European Field Conditions (‘Easy Programme’), Clinical/research abstracts accepted for presentation at ISFM Congress 2014. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2014;16(9):764-769. doi:10.1177/1098612X14545295 

⁶Taylor S, Caney S, Bessant C, Gunn-Moore D. Online survey of owners' experiences of medicating their cats at home. J Feline Med Surg. 2022 Dec;24(12):1283-1293 

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health 

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both. For more information visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health  

Boehringer Ingelheim 

Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the two business units Human Pharma and Animal Health. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com 

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