Duluth, Georgia – September 15, 2020 – 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. 

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.

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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 adaptor 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.