FDA Conditionally Approves Drug for Management of Ventricular Hypertrophy in Cats

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing the conditional approval of Felycin-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets) for the management of ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is the first product approved for use in cats with HCM for any indication.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. HCM in cats causes thickening of the heart's left ventricle. It is the most common heart disease in cats and is one of the most common causes of death in cats. While the cause is unknown in most cases, HCM is associated with a genetic mutation in certain breeds, such as Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Persians. HCM is a progressive disease. Cats in the subclinical phase have thickening of their heart wall but do not show clinical symptoms of the disease yet. Cats may live for years in the subclinical phase, while others may progress to congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism, or sudden death.