Boehringer Ingelheim Launches EURICAN® L4 Vaccine to Combat Rising Leptospirosis Threat in Dogs

(IN BRIEF) Boehringer Ingelheim has launched EURICAN® L4, a new vaccine designed to protect dogs from leptospirosis, a potentially fatal disease spread through contaminated soil and water. Available in France and expanding across Europe in 2025, the vaccine targets four key Leptospira serogroups, including the emerging L. Australis. Effective within two weeks of the first dose, EURICAN® L4 prevents mortality, clinical signs, and severe kidney damage associated with the disease. The vaccine addresses the growing leptospirosis risk in Europe caused by climate change and urbanization, reinforcing Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to advancing pet health and combating infectious diseases.

(PRESS RELEASE) INGELHEIM, 2-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has introduced EURICAN® L4, a new quadrivalent vaccine designed to protect dogs from leptospirosis, a potentially fatal disease exacerbated by climate change and urbanization. Now available in France, with broader European availability planned for 2025, the vaccine provides protection against four key Leptospira serogroups: L. Australis, L. Canicola, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, and L. Grippotyphosa.

Leptospirosis, a severe bacterial disease that can cause multi-organ failure, particularly in the kidneys and liver, is spread through soil and water contaminated by rodent urine. Its prevalence has grown in Europe, driven by warmer climates, increased rainfall, and urban development. According to a 2017-2020 study, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae and L. Australis are the most prevalent serogroups in the region, highlighting the need for robust preventative measures.

Effective and Rapid Protection

EURICAN® L4 offers a high-efficacy profile, providing immunity just two weeks after the primary vaccination. It prevents mortality and clinical signs of leptospirosis while reducing infection, urinary excretion, renal carriage, and kidney damage. Puppies can receive their first dose at seven weeks old, followed by a booster four weeks later and annual revaccination.

Erich Schött, Head of Pet Vaccines at Boehringer Ingelheim, emphasized the vaccine’s significance:
“With the evolving epidemiology of leptospirosis, we identified an urgent need for an innovative vaccine. EURICAN® L4 delivers outstanding protection against relevant Leptospira serogroups in Europe, addressing the growing threat this disease poses to dogs.”

Addressing a Rising Health Challenge

Leptospirosis is increasingly common in Europe due to climate and environmental changes. The disease is particularly prevalent in warm, wet climates and areas experiencing flooding. Contaminated water and soil expose dogs to infection, making vaccination a vital tool for disease prevention.

“Veterinarians play a key role in guiding pet owners on the importance of vaccination,” Schött added. “We are proud to contribute to the health of pets worldwide by leading the fight against infectious diseases like leptospirosis.”

A Commitment to Pet Health

Boehringer Ingelheim’s launch of EURICAN® L4 underscores its dedication to protecting pets through science-based innovations. With its proven efficacy and focus on relevant serogroups, this vaccine represents a critical step forward in safeguarding dogs across Europe against a growing and dangerous health threat.

Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Intended Audiences Notice

This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.

References:

Wenderlein et al. Detection and identification of pathogenic Leptospira spp. serogroups in Europe between 2017 and 2020 applying a novel gene-based molecular approach. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1101841
Indications for EURICAN® L4 as per summary of product characteristics (SPC): prevention or reduction of mortality, clinical signs, infection, urinary excretion, renal carriage, and renal lesions caused by L. Canicola, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. Grippotyphosa, and L. Australis. For L. Canicola, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. Grippotyphosa prevention of mortality and clinical signs was not demonstrated at the duration of immunity timepoint. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/veterinary/EPAR/eurican-l4#product-details
Bouvet J, Segouffin Cariou C, Oberli F, Guiot A-L, Cupillard L. A New Licensed Quadrivalent Antileptospiral Canine Vaccine Prevents Mortality, Clinical Signs, Infection, Bacterial Excretion, Renal Carriage and Renal Lesions Caused by Leptospira Australis Experimental Challenge. Vaccines. 2024; 12(10):1104. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101104

Media Contact:

Mi-Kyung Lee-Lange
Animal Health Communications Lead
email: mi-kyung.lee-lange@boehringer-ingelheim.com

SOURCE: Boehringer Ingelheim

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