Boehringer Ingelheim Launches SCOVELLA in Great Britain, the First Licensed Therapy for Equine Insulin Dysregulation

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched SCOVELLA (velagliflozin oral solution) in Great Britain — the first equine-specific SGLT-2 inhibitor licensed anywhere for the treatment of hyperinsulinemia in insulin-dysregulated horses and ponies — targeting the underlying driver of laminitis, a condition that affects around one in ten UK horses annually and results in euthanasia within twelve months for a third of those diagnosed.

Boehringer Ingelheim has brought to market the first therapy developed and licensed specifically to treat insulin dysregulation in horses and ponies, addressing what the company describes as the primary underlying cause of over 90% of laminitis cases.

Insulin dysregulation affects an estimated one in five horses. The risk of laminitis rises in direct correlation with circulating insulin concentrations, making effective insulin control a central therapeutic objective. SCOVELLA, an easy-to-dose oral liquid, is indicated for horses and ponies that have not responded to changes in husbandry and exercise regimens.

Clinical data underpinning the launch is compelling. The therapy reduces hyperinsulinemia rapidly and significantly, with effects appearing within days of starting treatment. In a clinical dietary challenge trial, none of the treated animals developed clinical laminitis, compared with 38% of untreated controls.

Professor Andy Durham of Liphook Equine Hospital, an RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine, described laminitis as one of the most common and welfare-impacting conditions in equine practice, noting that treatment and prevention options have been limited until now. Saskia Kley, Global Head of Equine at Boehringer Ingelheim, said the product represents 15 years of research focused on addressing the disease at its source.

SCOVELLA becomes available to prescribing veterinary surgeons in Great Britain from September 2026, debuting at BEVA Congress. Craig Beck, Head of Animal Health UK and Ireland, confirmed a supporting package of veterinary educational materials will accompany the rollout, with the company planning to bring the treatment to further markets in future.