02/12/2025

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, announced that SEMINTRA® 4 mg/ml Oral Solution is now available in Europe to manage both chronic kidney disease and hypertension in cats. First approved in 2013 for the reduction of proteinuria associated with chronic kidney disease in cats, SEMINTRA® 4 mg/ml Oral Solution is now launched to also treat systemic hypertension in cats.

Chronic kidney disease and hypertension are very common and closely connected conditions in aging cats. Both conditions silently and progressively diminish a cat’s quality and length of life, with clinical signs only visible in later disease stages. However, with regular exams, veterinarians can help identify earlier disease stages and recommend appropriate treatment.

SEMINTRA® 4 mg/ml Oral Solution is the only feline medication approved to manage chronic kidney disease and hypertension individually or in combination. With a proven history of clinical safety and efficacy, SEMINTRA® 4 mg/ml Oral Solution offers a fast and sustained reduction in proteinuria and blood pressure, which may help restore balance to the kidneys and support the cat’s appetite, activity levels, and quality of life. 

“Kidney disease and high blood pressure can fuel each other in a severe cycle, negatively impacting quality of life for cats and their owners,” said Dr. Erich Schött, Head of Pet Therapeutics and Pet Vaccines at Boehringer Ingelheim. “With both claims in one product we can now offer a simple solution for these common and complex conditions. SEMINTRA® 4 mg/ml Oral Solution is easy to give, well-accepted by cats, and most importantly, it may help promote a better quality of life for our cherished feline companions.” 

SEMINTRA® 4 mg/ml, designed specifically for cats, is delivered into a cat’s mouth or on top of food once a day with a ml-calibrated syringe. The new product packaging now includes a QR code leading to a digital leaflet with detailed product information and an animated “how-to-use” video, as well as a printed leaflet, designed to enhance the pet owner’s experience.

Chronic kidney disease and hypertension feline figures

• Chronic kidney disease affects up to 30 - 50% of senior cats,^1-2 which considered to be 7 to 10 years and older, and up to 65% of them also have hypertension.^3-4
• Hypertension affects 20 - 40% of senior cats,⁵ and up to 74% of them also have chronic kidney disease.^3-4
• Clinical signs of chronic kidney disease do not appear until the cat has lost at least 67% of kidney function.⁶
• International guidelines recommend regular clinic assessment and screening of cats over 7 years of age for chronic diseases (including chronic kidney disease and hypertension). ^1,7,8

References

1. Sparkes AH, Caney S, Chalhoub S, et al. ISFM consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline chronic kidney disease. J Feline Med Surg. 2016;18:219-239.
2. Lawson JS, Jepson RE. Feline comorbidities: The intermingled relationship between chronic kidney disease and hypertension. J Feline Med Surg. 2021;23:812-822.
3. Taylor SS, Sparkes AH, Briscoe K, et al. ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2017;19:288-303.
4. Bijsmans ES, Jepson RE, Chang YM, Syme HM, Elliott J. Changes in systolic blood pressure over time in healthy cats and cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2015;29:855-861.
5. Sparkes A, Garelli-Paar C, Blondel T, Guillot E. ‘The Mercury Challenge’: feline systolic blood pressure in primary care practice – a European survey. J Fel Med Surg2022;24(10):e310-3323.
6. DiBartola SP, Westropp JL. Acute and Chronic Renal Failure. Small Animal Internal Medicine, 5th edition. Nelson RW and Couto CG, editors. Elsevier Mosby: St Louis, Missouri. 2014:663-679.
7. Ray M, Carney HC, Boynton B, et al. 2021 AAFP feline senior care guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. 2021;23:613-638. 
8. Quimby J, Gowland S, Carney HC, DePorter T, Plummer P, Westropp J. 2021 AAHA/AAFP feline life stage guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. 2021;23:211-233.
    

About Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business

Boehringer Ingelheim provides first-in-class innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health. 

About Boehringer Ingelheim 

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at boehringer-ingelheim.com.

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