FDA approves first oral liquid medication to treat diabetes in cats

SENVELGO (velagliflozin oral solution) (Image courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim)

Boehringer Ingelheim announced its oral liquid medication SENVELGO (velagliflozin oral solution) has received FDA approval. This new medication is a once-a-day treatment that helps improve glycemic control in cats suffering from diabetes mellitus. The drug can be administered by pet parents in their cat’s food or directly 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 US Pet at Boehringer Ingelheim.¹

The oral solution will be available at veterinary clinics within the United States by mid-October 2023 with plans to launch worldwide, pending regulatory approvals.

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim receives FDA approval for SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution): the 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
2. 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
3. Taylor S, Caney S, Bessant C, Gunn-Moore D. Online survey of owners' experiences of medicating their cats at home. J Feline Med Surg. 2022;24(12):1283-1293. doi:10.1177/1098612X221083752