Boehringer Ingelheim continues to lead in animal health innovation with the launch of Pexion, a groundbreaking treatment for canine idiopathic epilepsy, introduced at a scientific event in Istanbul on February 13th.

Bringing together veterinary neurologists and clinicians, the event showcased Pexion, a novel therapy designed to manage epilepsy in dogs. Featuring expert insights from Prof. Dr. Holger Volk of the Royal Veterinary College and Dr. Philip Watson, Clinical Research Lead at Boehringer Ingelheim, the launch offered a deep dive into the latest developments in veterinary epilepsy care.

The active ingredient in Pexion, imepitoin, not only helps reduce seizure frequency but also improves quality of life through its anxiolytic properties. This dual benefit sets it apart from conventional antiepileptic treatments.

Opening the event, Orkun Bürün, Head of Boehringer Ingelheim Turkey’s Pet Business Unit, emphasized the significance of this innovation: “With this launch, we are entering a new era in veterinary neurology. We’ve chosen to align this initiative with International Epilepsy Day in February to raise awareness about epilepsy in animals as well.”

A Robust Scientific Agenda

Prof. Dr. Holger Volk led multiple sessions covering the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of canine epilepsy. He elaborated on the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) diagnostic criteria and the importance of individualized treatment plans. Volk highlighted that epilepsy is not solely about seizures, but also includes behavioral and cognitive impacts that must be addressed for effective care.

He also discussed the role of nutrition in epilepsy management, citing evidence that medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diets can reduce seizure frequency and support cognitive function in epileptic dogs.

Pexion: Safe, Fast, and Effective

In the afternoon session, Dr. Philip Watson presented the clinical benefits of Pexion, noting its rapid onset of action—with most dogs responding within two days of treatment initiation. Recommended as a first-line monotherapy by both IVETF and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), Pexion offers a low side-effect profile, minimal liver toxicity, and no need for regular blood monitoring.

“Pexion is not just about seizure control—it’s about improving the overall well-being of both pets and their owners,” Watson remarked. He also introduced supportive tools such as the RVC Pet Epilepsy Tracker app, which helps pet owners monitor seizure patterns more effectively.

Expert Endorsement of a New Standard

The closing session, led by veterinary neurologists Dr. Esra Ercan and Dr. Tilbe Grecu, underscored Pexion’s clinical advantages and user-friendly formulation. As a low-affinity partial GABA agonist, the drug exerts anticonvulsant effects without causing dependency or sedation—critical for long-term treatment adherence and quality of life.

Key benefits highlighted included:

• Efficacy: 75% of newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy cases showed over 50% reduction in seizure frequency, with 47% remaining seizure-free during a 12-week study.
• Safety: Even at high doses, Pexion did not lead to liver enzyme elevation or severe adverse events.
• Ease of Use: Non-narcotic classification, scored tablets for easy dosing, and no need for special prescriptions.
• Quality of Life: Maintains dogs’ natural behavior and requires no routine blood tests, making long-term therapy more sustainable.

“Pexion represents a shift in how we approach epilepsy management in veterinary medicine,” Ercan and Grecu concluded, emphasizing that the goal is not just clinical control but also emotional and cognitive support for canine patients.

A Holistic, Science-Based Approach

Boehringer Ingelheim’s scientific event in Istanbul went beyond product promotion. It provided a forward-looking, evidence-based platform for advancing epilepsy care in dogs—reminding the veterinary world that innovative treatments must always serve the deeper goal: a healthier, happier life for our four-legged companions.