Bayer to launch Renalzin for ageing cats

Bayer HealthCare has said its animal health division is set to launch Renalzin, a product to support kidney function in ageing cats.

The company said it would make the feed additive available in a number of countries this October, including the UK, Germany, Austria, Japan and Benelux.

Bayer said the easy-to-administer supplement could enhance the management of chronic renal disease (CRD) in felines, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in older cats.

Dr Dennis Chew, veterinary urology and nephrology specialist at Ohio State University, said: “CRD is difficult to identify in early stages – early intervention with treatment can prevent progression of CRD to those with more serious kidney deficits.”

He added the restriction of phosphorus intake in the diet is known to be a key step in the stabilisation of the condition, with Renalzin offering a well-tolerated and palatable liquid formulation of a dietary phosphate binder.

In May 2008, Bayer Animal Health joined forces with Hallmark Cards for the YourPets consumer-created card contest.