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Boehringer Ingelheim gets US FDA approval for Senvelgo, the first oral liquid medication for diabetes in cats

Boehringer Ingelheim announced that Senvelgo (velagliflozin oral solution), a revolutionary new treatment for cats with diabetes, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Senvelgo is a once-daily liquid oral solution that cat owners can give with a small amount of food or directly into the cat’s mouth.

Feline diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats, with studies showing that up to 30% of diagnosed cats are left untreated due to the complexities of existing treatments. Up to one in three diabetic cats is euthanized within the first year of diagnosis and the complexity required to treat diabetic cats is often a contributing factor. Senvelgo oral solution simplifies the treatment process and removes the need for needles to improve glycaemic control in cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin.

Dr. Cynthia Ward, Professor Emerita of Internal Medicine at the University of Georgia and member of the US Boehringer Ingelheim Diabetes Advisory Board says, “Senvelgo oral solution is a game-changer that will revolutionize the management of feline diabetes. It significantly eases the complexity of feline diabetes treatment and is easy to administer. In addition, Senvelgo oral solution makes it simpler to successfully monitor treatment and makes time-intensive blood glucose curve monitoring redundant.”

As soon as one week after beginning treatment, Senvelgo oral solution improves the clinical signs of diabetes that cats experience by reducing elevated blood glucose levels and minimizing the risk of clinical hypoglycaemic events3. The novel drug comes in liquid form, the formulation that cats and cat owners prefer, according to studies.

Daniel Watkins, Head of US Pet at Boehringer Ingelheim says, “At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of animals. Senvelgo oral solution is a convenient feline therapeutic product and demonstrates our dedication to continuously deliver and drive new and innovative products to address the unique needs of cats. Senvelgo oral solution can help pet owners and their diabetic cats continue to enjoy a normal life, despite this chronic disease.”

Senvelgo oral solution will be available in veterinary clinics in the US by mid-October. The company plans to launch Senvelgo oral solution in countries around the world, pending regulatory approvals.

Senvelgo oral solution is a highly selective inhibitor of the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). Senvelgo promotes removal of glucose via the urine by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose back into the bloodstream. This rapidly helps to reduce blood glucose to normal and sustained levels. The potential to reverse glucose toxicity can lead to resolution of clinical signs associated with feline diabetes.

This innovative therapeutic solution is indicated to improve glycaemic control in cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin. The drug is only available with a prescription from a veterinarian.

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, the company 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.

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.