1ST EPIC STUDY PUBLICATION
objective
The EPIC (Evaluation of Pimobendan In dogs with Cardiomegaly) Study1 analysed whether long-term administration of pimobendan to
dogs with stage B2 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and echocardiographic and radiographic evidence of cardiac enlargement
will delay onset of clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiac-related death, or euthanasia (composite primary endpoint).
study design
centres
dogs
double-blinded placebo-controlled
countries
years
findings
15-month delay
in time to composite primary endpoint compared with dogs receiving placebo*
60%more time
in asymptomatic stage B2
of heart disease*
10% more life
without CHF signs that impact quality of life or
cardiac-related death†
Results reveal the proven benefits of early treatment of MMVD—before the onset of CHF1
Dogs who received pimobendan experienced a 15-month delay in onset of clinical signs of CHF, cardiac-related death, or euthanasia
versus dogs in the placebo group.
At 1228 days, there were more than twice as many dogs in the pimobendan group that were still alive and had not reached the primary endpoint versus the placebo group.*
epic study ended early due to strong results
- The first study to be stopped due to evidence of overwhelming efficacy.
- Early results were so positive for dogs in the pimobendan group that lead investigators decided to terminate the study following
a recommendation from an Interim Analysis Committee. - Dogs in the placebo group were then given the opportunity to receive the benefits of pimobendan.‡