Published: 17 Mar 2015 | Last Updated: 07 Apr 2015 09:13:38

A global clinical trial, led by RVC Professor of Veterinary Cardiology Adrian Boswood, has found evidence of benefit of the drug pimobendan for dogs with mitral valve disease.

The trial, which was concluded last month, was also led by Professors Sonya Gordon and Jens Häggström, of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

The EPIC (Evaluation of Pimobendan In dogs with Cardiomegaly) study was a prospective double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of pimobendan in the prevention of the onset of signs of congestive heart failure in dogs with cardiac enlargement secondary to pre-clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease. It was is the largest clinical study ever to be conducted among dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease, the leading cause of heart disease and heart failure in dogs.

The interim analysis was conducted with a number of pre-specified stopping criteria, agreed in consultation with an independent statistical consultant, and was concluded on February 16th.

The interim analysis indicated that there was clear evidence of benefit of the administration of pimobendan in prolonging the time to the primary endpoint of the study, which was a composite of the development of left-sided congestive heart failure, or death presumed to be cardiac in origin. The interim analysis did not raise any concern over the safety of pimobendan administration.

Full and final results of the study are expected at a later date.

To discuss the results further, please contact Helen Merrills: Helen.merrills@communicationsmanagement.co.uk 01727 733880

Please note – quantitative analysis of these results will not be discussed until the full results are available.