First Inhaled Therapy For Severely Asthmatic Horses Launched In U.S.

Boehringer Ingelheim today announced the U.S. launch of the Aservo EquiHaler (ciclesonide inhalation spray), the first FDA-approved inhalant therapy for horses with severe equine asthma.

Developed after a decade of collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim's human pharmaceutical and animal health businesses, the Aservo EquiHaler offers the promise of relief to thousands of horses that suffer from severe equine asthma, which affects 11 to 17 percent of horses.

Horses with severe equine asthma typically have clinical signs that include difficulty breathing, coughing and nasal discharge, which can have a significant impact on a horse's performance and quality of life. Over time, severely asthmatic horses may develop changes in the lung, which makes it difficult to breathe, even at rest.

“We understand the unique and inextricable link between animals and people. By delivering value through innovation, we strive to enhance the wellbeing of both and help shape the future direction of the industry,” said Caroline Belmont, Head of US Global Innovation and US Regulatory Affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. “We are focused on developing breakthrough therapeutics, like the Aservo EquiHaler, for animal disease areas with unmet needs to make a true impact in the lives of horses and their owners.”

The Aservo EquiHaler marks an industry first in equine medicine, as until now, there has been no FDA-approved inhalant therapy for use in horses with severe equine asthma. Severe equine asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lower airways caused by breathing in high concentrations of organic dust particles small enough to pass with air to the lower airways. Such particles are commonly found in hay and bedding.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health used the Respimat inhaler, developed by the company's human pharmaceutical business, as a basis to develop the unique Soft Mist Technology of the Aservo EquiHaler, which is designed specifically for use in horses. The Aservo EquiHaler includes an ergonomic handle and dosing lever for ease of user handling, and a nostril adapter that fits inside the nostril of the horse, allowing them to easily inhale the medicated mist into their lungs.

The active ingredient in the Aservo EquiHaler (ciclesonide inhalation spray) is ciclesonide, a glucocorticoid (steroid) that becomes activated in the lungs, which allows for the targeted delivery and activation of the medication. Studies in horses with severe asthma have demonstrated that administration of ciclesonide reversed airway obstruction associated with severe asthma, and to date, ciclesonide is the only glucocorticoid not associated with suppression of serum cortisol, a desired treatment outcome.

To learn more about Aservo EquiHaler, click here.

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How Does Wildfire Smoke Affect Horse Health?

With over 100 wildfires raging in multiple states, both humans and animals are breathing unhealthy air containing smoke and particulates. These particulates can cause burning eyes, running noses and breathing complications like bronchitis. Smoke can also exacerbate heart and lung issues like congestive heart failure and asthma or heaves.

Though the composition of smoke differs with what is being burned, the particulate matter in the smoke is of the most concern. “Particulate” is a catch-all term used to encompass the mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Particulates from smoke are very tiny, enabling them to get to the deepest part of the airways.

Horses that breathe particulates from smoke may have reduced lung function in addition to irritated eyes and respiratory tract. Particulates can also reduce the lung's ability to remove foreign materials like bacteria and pollen.

A healthy horse's respiration rate should be between 12 and 24 breaths per minute. If the horse is breathing consistently more than 30 breaths per minute, is having difficulty breathing, has flared nostrils, is coughing deeply or has abnormal nasal discharge, a veterinarian should be called.

To protect horse health during wildfires:

  • Limit exercise the horse is smoke is visible
  • Reduce exposure to dust by feeding dust-free hay or by soaking hay before feeding
  • Offer fresh water close to grain or hay; water will assist in clearing inhaled particulates
  • Contact a vet if the horse is coughing or having trouble breathing
  • Give a horse ideally 4 to 6 weeks to recover from airway damage from wildfire smoke once the air had cleared

Read more at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health.

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