Boehringer Ingelheim receives EU approval for canine epilepsy drug

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that Pexion, its groundbreaking new canine epilepsy drug, has been approved by the European Commission.

The compound has been ratified for reducing the frequency of seizures associated with idiopathic epilepsy and is the first new molecule for the treatment of this condition in a century, as well as being the first ever targeted therapy for epilepsy among dogs.

Pexion has a favourable efficacy profile, with a EU multicentre study showing that 75 percent of dogs receiving it experienced more than a 50 percent reduction in seizure frequency.

Unlike previous treatments for this condition, Pexion is not a sedative and is therefore considered safer and less likely to cause unwanted side effects.

Dr Joachim Hasenmaier, the board member responsible for the animal health and consumer healthcare divisions at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "We are very proud to provide a real innovation in this therapeutic area that significantly improves upon the current standard treatment."

Last month, the company highlighted the efforts it has been making over the last few years to provide funding support for research into porcine circovirus type 2, a serious condition affecting pigs.