Dog supplement linked to lower ANP levels receives patent

5 mm Pinfenon (S) tablets. (Photo courtesy of Scarecrow Incorporated)

Scarecrow Incorporated, a Tokyo-based company involved in the research, development, and distribution of supplements for animals, has received the world’s first patent for Pinfenon (S) —an animal supplement found to lower levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in dogs.¹ ANP is a biomarker for heart health, and high levels of it are associated with cardiac disorders such as mitral regurgitation, a type of heart valve disease frequently observed in small dog breeds, particularly in Japan. The hormone ANP is released by the heart in response to heart strain and is often elevated in dogs with heart conditions.¹

The patent for Pinfenon (S) was obtained following demonstration of its effectiveness in easing heart strain and lowering ANP levels. Before obtaining the patent for Pinfenon (S), a clinical trial was carried out in 27 dogs with mitral regurgitation across 15 hospitals in Japan. Pinfenon (S) was administered alongside the patients’ regular heart medication for 30 days. Blood tests were taken both at the start of the trial and after 30 days, and the dogs' difficulty with breathing was also monitored.

The study results revealed a notable reduction in ANP as a cardiac biomarker when compared to ANP levels before the 30-day administration of the supplement (P < .01).¹ Significant improvements in breathing difficulties were also noted.

According to the company, valvular heart diseases are the leading cause of death in elderly dogs. Additionally, almost 8 million dogs suffer from heart disease, accounting for 10% of all canines in the US, and as many as 75% of older dogs are affected by some form of heart disease.²

“According to the guidelines by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), mitral regurgitation is classified as stages A to D depending on the extent of progression with state A indicating mild disease and stage D indicating severe disease. While drug therapy is started at the diagnosis of stage B2 or C, most animals are subject to follow-up observation at an earlier stage. Many owners are concerned about the lack of treatment despite the diagnosis of a cardiac disorder, and as a result, many owners look for something they can do for their dogs,” wrote the organization in a statement.^1,3

“The Pinfenon series can be said to be a means to provide help in such situations. These products are able to be introduced from the early stage of the disease, such as stage A and stage B1, and we hope that the use of Pinfenon (S) from a young age will not only provide support for the dogs’ hearts but also help the dogs remain energetic throughout their lives,” they continued.^1,3

The primary component of Pinfenon (S) is an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, a natural and water-soluble substance that is safe and has high physiological activity, according to Scarecrow Incorporated.¹ The supplement also contains fermented sesame extract, yeast extract, indigestible dextrin, cellulose, sucrose ester, and lactose.^1.4

References

1. World’s first patent acquired for animal supplement “Pinfenon” (S) (R). News release. Scarecrow Incorporated. November 12, 2024. Accessed November 14, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-first-patent-acquired-for-animal-supplement-pinfenon-s-r-302301995.html
2. Heart disease in dogs. CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets. Accessed November 14, 2024. https://www.cvcavets.com/canine-heart-diseases/#:~:text=Nearly%208%20million%20dogs%20suffer,About%20Heart%20Diseases%20in%20Dogs
3. The role of the new supplement in providing support for canine cardiac disorder. Scarecrow Incorporated. Accessed November 14, 2024. https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103184/202410238652/_prw_PA1fl_9I6EwxLq.pdf
4. What is Pinfenon? Scarecrow Corporation. Accessed November 14, 2024. https://pet-medical.info/en/pinfenon/index.html