Weekly Vet Report: FDA clears feline hypertension drug, BOAS therapy advances

The latest Weekly Vet Report pulls together three notable developments in small animal medicine: FDA approval of Amodip, the first FDA-approved veterinary amlodipine product for cats with systemic hypertension; early pilot data on Snoretox-1, an injectable therapy for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS, in flat-faced dogs; and a large comparative oncology study mapping the feline cancer genome and finding substantial overlap with human cancer drivers. FDA approved Amodip on April 29, 2026, and said it’s indicated for control of systemic hypertension in cats, with daily dosing, a reassessment point at 14 days, and a note that cats under 2.5 kg can’t be accurately dosed with the product. The BOAS report comes from a six-dog pilot published in The Veterinary Journal, where investigators reported improvement in BOAS severity for 20 to 53 weeks after treatment. Separately, the feline oncology study, published in Science on February 19, 2026, analyzed 493 tumors across 13 cancer types and identified cross-species genomic similarities that could inform precision medicine. (fda.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the clearest near-term impact is in feline practice. A species-specific, FDA-approved amlodipine option may simplify prescribing, dosing, and client counseling in cats with hypertension, particularly those with chronic kidney disease or other comorbidities. The BOAS injectable is much earlier-stage, but it’s drawing attention because current management still leans heavily on surgery and weight control, and the RMIT-Snoretox team argues the therapy could eventually serve as an alternative or adjunct for selected dogs. The feline cancer paper matters less as an immediate clinical tool and more as a signal that naturally occurring feline cancers may become more useful in translational and precision oncology research. (fda.gov)

What to watch: Watch for U.S. clinical uptake and prescribing guidance around Amodip, larger controlled BOAS trials, and whether the feline cancer atlas starts to translate into clinically actionable diagnostics or targeted treatment pathways. (fda.gov)