Isemid is the first diuretic for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs recognised by the EMA as a “2018 Innovation, advancing animal health”. Isemid is a potent once-a-day diuretic as effective as furosemide in dogs with heart failure. Isemid is formulated as a convenient flavoured tablet to support owner compliance. More than 11 proprietary studies have been performed by Ceva research and development teams to get a registration and provide more information about Torasemide.
Innovative product
“We are very proud that Isemid was considered as an innovative product, advancing animal health, by the European Medicines Agency,” commented Emilie Guillot, DVM, Ceva Technical Manager for Cardiology. “Originally our idea of developing torasemide in dogs came from exchanges with our network of cardiologists”. This “Ceva cardiology task force” includes experts like Pr Mark Oyama (USA), as well as two cardiologists from human medicine, Prs Bertram Pitt (USA) and Faiez Zannad (France).
Expert meeting in Paris
Isemid was presented in Paris on 10 May 16 European and American cardiology experts.
The day began with an overview of the eight years of product development followed by presentations from each manager in charge of pharmacokinetics, toxicology and clinical development. “Isemid is an original drug developed by Ceva, and was the subject of full pivotal efficacy and safety studies,” explained Marie Boutot, development project leader for Isemid.
Improving compliance
“With Isemid, we seek to help veterinarians in their goal to improve survival of dogs with heart failure,” Dr Guillot added. “But above all, thanks to its potent action and long half-life which allow once-daily dosing, we hope to ease owner compliance.” Data presented in Paris showed a 98 percent owner compliance (compared to 92 percent for furosemide, p<0.05) and 80 percent voluntary acceptance.
Now available in the UK and Ireland
Isemid will be available in three strengths: 1, 2 and 4 mg. The tablets are pork-liver flavoured and scored so they can be halved. They can be administered orally once daily, with or without food. The marketing authorisation was obtained earlier this year and Isemid is going to be gradually available from June throughout Europe.
Scientific communications with data on Isemid have been held at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine forum in Phoenix in June and will be held at the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine congress in Milan in September.
