SENVELGO (velagliflozin oral option) (Image thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim)
Boehringer Ingelheim revealed its oral liquid medication SENVELGO (velagliflozin oral option) has actually received FDA approval. This brand-new medication is a once-a-day treatment that assists enhance glycemic control in cats experiencing diabetes mellitus. The drug can be admistered by family pet moms and dads in their cat’s food or straight in the cat’s mouth.
“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,” expressed Cynthia Ward, VMD, PhD, DACVIM, Professor Emerita of Internal Medicine at the University of Georgia and member of the US Boehringer Ingelheim Diabetes Advisory Board, in an organizational release.1
Feline diabetes is among the most common feline endocrine disorders, but the complexity of existing diabetes treatments leaves up to 30% of diabetic cats untreated.2 According to the release, cats being treated with SENVELGO have demonstrated an improvement in clinical signs of diabetes by reducing elevated blood glucose levels while reducing the risk of clinical hypoglycemic events not previously treated with insulin.1
In a study conducted through online responses,3 the results found that out of 2,507 surveys completed, 53% disclosed they chose liquids as their preferred formulation when giving their cats medication. The use of liquid medication can also help with compliance because it makes it easier for pets to get medication, especially since the study found 78% of respondents noted their cats spit tablet medications out and 71.7% refused to eat the medication when hidden in food.3
Liquid medication can also help get cats the full dose of the medication by preventing the frustration pet owners and cats face when they must take tablets or other types of medication.
“At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are passionate about improving the health and well-being 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,” said Daniel Watkins, MBA, head of United States Pet at Boehringer Ingelheim.1
The oral option will be available at veterinary centers within the United States by mid-October 2023 with strategies to launch worldwide, pending regulative approvals.
References
- Boehringer Ingelheim gets FDA approval for SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral option): the very first oral liquid medication for diabetes in cats. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. August 14, 2023. Accessed August 14, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boehringer-ingelheim-receives-fda-approval-for-senvelgo-velagliflozin-oral-solution-the-first-oral-liquid-medication-for-diabetes-in-cats-301899974.html
- Niessen SJM, Hazuchova K, Powney SL, et al. The Big Pet Diabetes Survey: Perceived Frequency and Triggers for Euthanasia. Vet Sci. 2017;4(2):27. Published 2017 May 14. doi:10.3390/vetsci4020027
- Taylor S, Caney S, Bessant C, Gunn-Moore D. Online study of owners’ experiences of medicating their cats at home. J Feline Med Surg. 2022;24(12):1283-1293. doi:10.1177/1098612X221083752
