Generic drug is launched on the veterinary market for canine congestive heart failure

A generic drug for management of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs is launching on the US veterinary market. Pimobendan Chewable Tablets (Cronus Pharma LLC) will be available for purchase after June 9, 2026, according to the company.¹

Approved by the FDA in 2024, Pimobendan Chewable Tablets is the agency’s first generic bioequivalent of the drug product Vetmedin (Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health). Both therapies contain the same active ingredient, pimobendan.^1,2

Cronus Pharma’s generic tablets are indicated for management of mild, moderate and severe CHF caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The product is suitable for use with concurrent CHF therapies when deemed appropriate, on a case-by-case basis.¹

MMVD and DCM in dogs is when an abnormal heart valve or muscle does not allow the heart valve to close completely, impacting the ability of the heart to pump blood and resulting in an enlarged heart. Left untreated, these conditions may lead to CHF.²

MMVD occurs in many breeds of dogs, but most frequently in smaller breed dogs including Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, and dachshunds. Historically, DCM has been primarily linked to a genetic predisposition in certain breeds as well. Both MMVD and DCM should be diagnosed by a veterinarian based on comprehensive physical and cardiac examinations.²

Pimobendan Chewable Tablets are an inodilator drug that allows the heart to pump blood more effectively by helping to strengthen the muscular contractions of the heart and widening the blood vessels in this organ.² Studies approved by the FDA and consistent manufacturing standards support the agency’s approval of the generic drug.¹ This therapy is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian because professional veterinary expertise is needed to diagnose MMVD and DCM and to determine whether pimobendan is an appropriate treatment.²

Pimobendan Chewable Tablets is supplied as oblong half-scored chewable tablets in 4 strengths: 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. Each bottle of the generic drug contains 50 tablets, according to Cronus Pharma.¹

References

1. Cronus Pharma. Cronus Pharma introduces pimobendane chewable tablets (first FDA-approved generic) for veterinary use. BusinessWire. June 9, 2026. Accessed June 9, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260609255398/en/Cronus-Pharma-Introduces-Pimobendan-Chewable-Tablets-First-FDA-Approved-Generic-for-Veterinary-Use
2. First generic pimobendan chewable tablets for canine congestive heart failure receive FDA approval. dvm360. April 26, 2024. Accessed June 9, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-generic-pimobendan-chewable-tablets-for-canine-congestive-heart-failure-receives-fda-approval