In the News

Largest Global Research Study in Canine Cardiology Reaches Completion

International veterinary study involved 260 dogs at 28 sites in 11 countries over 3 years.

ST. JOSEPH, MO — After three years, the largest clinical study ever conducted among dogs with congestive heart failure has been completed. The Quality of Life and Extension of Survival Time (QUEST) study was an international, multi-location study comparing two treatments used to manage congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs.

The QUEST trial was a randomized, positive-controlled study conducted at 28 sites in Australia, Canada and Europe. Canine patients with CHF were recruited over a two-year period and randomly allocated to either a Vetmedin^® (pimobendan) Capsules or a benazepril hydrochloride treatment group, with each group consisting of 130 dogs. The trial spanned three years and followed dogs to point of treatment failure or death due to congestive heart failure.

“Our primary objective with the clinical QUEST study was to investigate and compare the effects of pimobendan and benazepril hydrochloride therapies on survival time in dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD),” says the lead investigator, Professor Jens Häggström, DVM, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. “We hope to confirm a better therapeutic option for this very prevalent and life-threatening type of heart failure.”

Häggström adds that all of the dogs in the trial were diagnosed with MMVD, which was confirmed by ultrasound and X-ray imaging of the heart. All dogs in the trial had exhibited clinical signs of heart failure, including pulmonary edema.

The QUEST study was made possible through funding from the animal health division of Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH.

“A heart failure treatment study of this size and scope is unique in veterinary medicine,” says Steve Peterson, DVM, senior manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI). “We are excited about sharing the findings of the study and their practical implications that point to a more comprehensive treatment regimen for MMVD. It’s especially relevant, given that mitral valve disease is the most common cause of CHF in dogs.”

An abstract of the QUEST study was presented in May at the International Canine Valvular Disease Symposium (ICVS) in Sweden. This same presentation was given during the cardiology session at the 2008 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

“The QUEST trial is a significant milestone in our efforts to reassure veterinarians and dog owners alike that once congestive heart failure has been diagnosed, there is compelling evidence to show that Vetmedin is an effective treatment in prolonging their dog’s life, and providing the pet owner with more time together,” says Häggström.

The complete study has been accepted by the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine for publication in the fall.

Vetmedin (pimobendan) has been available in Europe for over seven years and is now licensed in more than 15 countries worldwide. It was first licensed in the U.S. in May 2007 and is indicated for the management of signs of mild, moderate or severe (NYHA Class II, III or IV) congestive heart failure in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). There are two formulations of Vetmedin, capsules and chewable tablets. In the U.S. only the chewable tablets are licensed. Both the capsules and chewable tablets contain the same pharmaceutical ingredient, pimobendan, and are considered equivalent for clinical use. Bioequivalence, however, has not been established. Vetmedin is manufactured by MEDA Manufacturing GmbH, Germany, for BIVI of St. Joseph, Mo.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (St. Joseph, Mo.), is a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation based in Ridgefield, Conn., and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 135 affiliates in 47 countries and approximately 39,800 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

In 2007, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of US $15.0 billion (10.9 billion euro) while spending approximately one-fifth of net sales in its largest business segment, Prescription Medicines, on research and development.

For more information, please visit www.bi-vetmedica.com.