Revolutionizing Equine Healthcare: The Sleip App and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Partnership
In the realm of equine healthcare, a groundbreaking development has emerged with the introduction of the Sleip app, a tool that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to objectively analyze the movement of horses using just a smartphone. This innovation is set to become more widely available thanks to a new global commercial partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim, a leader in animal health, and Sleip, the app’s developer. This collaboration is poised to significantly enhance the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lameness in horses, marking a significant step forward in veterinary care.
Enhancing Equine Health with AI Technology
Early Detection of Lameness
Identifying the early signs of lameness in horses can be a challenging task, as changes in gait and other indicators may be subtle and easily overlooked. The Sleip app offers a transformative solution by enabling veterinarians to capture video of a horse in motion using a smartphone, without the need for additional sensors or complex camera systems. The app’s AI-driven technology then meticulously analyzes the footage, providing a detailed report on the horse’s movements, including a stride-by-stride video analysis paired with synchronized biomechanical data. This rapid and precise assessment allows for immediate follow-up by the veterinarian, potentially leading to more effective health outcomes for the horse.
Commitment to Veterinary Advancement
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Global Head of Equine, Saskia Kley, has expressed the company’s dedication to serving the equine veterinary community. The Sleip app is a key component in driving awareness and enhancing the rates of diagnosis and treatment compliance for equine lameness. This innovative technology is expected to have a substantial positive impact on horse welfare and the individuals responsible for their care.
Research and AI Synergy
Dr. Elin Hernlund, Chief Medical Officer at Sleip, emphasizes the app’s foundation in extensive equine biomechanical research and the latest advancements in AI. The goal of Sleip is to elevate horse welfare by making its technology universally accessible to those involved in horse care. This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, foster collaborative healthcare, and support early detection and prevention strategies. The partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim is a significant stride towards fulfilling this vision.
Strategic Partnership and Future Prospects
Collaboration Benefits
The partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Sleip, which includes Boehringer becoming a shareholder in Sleip, underscores the unique contributions each organization brings to the equine veterinary sector. Boehringer Ingelheim, with its extensive portfolio of leading treatments for various causes of lameness, joins forces with Sleip’s AI capabilities, which provide veterinarians with a heightened sensitivity in diagnosing and monitoring lameness beyond what the human eye can detect. This alliance will facilitate the introduction of the Sleip app to the veterinary community, making this cutting-edge technology more accessible.
Expansion Plans
Boehringer Ingelheim is set to commence the promotion of the Sleip app to its veterinary customers in the United States and Canada later in the year, with plans to extend its reach to key equine markets in Europe by 2025. This strategic rollout is anticipated to significantly increase access to advanced care for veterinarians and horse owners alike.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a pioneer in the development of breakthrough therapies that have the potential to transform lives now and for future generations. As a family-owned company since its inception in 1885, it has consistently focused on long-term, sustainable growth. With more than 53,000 employees, Boehringer Ingelheim serves over 130 markets and operates two business units: Human Pharma and Animal Health.
About Sleip
Sleip is at the forefront of providing equine veterinarians with a markerless diagnostic tool that leverages AI for motion analysis, identifying lameness in horses with just a smartphone. By combining expertise in equine biomechanics with AI advancements, Sleip delivers precise motion analysis that detects even the most subtle asymmetries, promoting proactive and preventative care. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Sleip has become a trusted partner for leading equine veterinarians globally.
In conclusion, the partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Sleip represents a significant advancement in equine healthcare, with the potential to improve the lives of horses and those who care for them through innovative AI technology.
