Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of BRAVECTO® (fluralaner topical solution) for both cats and dogs, a topical treatment for fleas and ticks effective for up to 12 weeks following a single dose.

Image/sipa
Image/sipa

“The approval of a second BRAVECTO product builds on the strong foundation and body of scientific evidence that we have established with our chewable tablet for dogs, our oral flea and tick product,” said KJ Varma, senior vice president, research and development, Merck Animal Health. “With BRAVECTO Topical, we have expanded our portfolio in the fight against parasites, as well as provided cats flea and tick protection that delivers immediate and persistent killing activity for 12 weeks – another first in the industry.”

BRAVECTO Topical is available in a convenient, single-dose spot-on, and is applied topically using the new “Twist’n’Use”TM pipette design for ease of application. BRAVECTO Topical for dogs kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and the treatment and control of tick infestations [Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick),and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)] for 12 weeks in dogs and puppies six months of age and older, and weighing 4.4 pounds or greater. It is also indicated for the treatment and control of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) infestations for eight weeks in dogs and puppies six months of age and older, and weighing 4.4 pounds or greater.

BRAVECTO Topical for cats kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and the treatment and control of Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) infestations for 12 weeks in cats and kittens six months of age and older, and weighing 2.6 pounds or greater. It is also indicated for the treatment and control of Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) infestations for eight weeks in cats and kittens six months of age and older and weighing 2.6 pounds or greater.

“Fleas and ticks are not simply a nuisance, but can also cause significant irritation to our pets and even ourselves, and can transmit disease. So, effective protection against these parasites is truly essential to the health and well-being of our pets, as well as our homes,” said Kathleen Heaney, D.V.M., executive director of technical services, Merck Animal Health. “The convenience of BRAVECTO’s extended duration flea and tick protection is now available for cats and dogs in a topical formulation that is fast-acting and lasts nearly three times longer than conventional, monthly flea and tick products.”

Fleas and ticks must attach to the treated animal and commence feeding in order to be exposed to the active substance. The active substance of BRAVECTO, fluralaner, an ectoparasiticide belonging to the isoxazoline group, is systemically active against fleas and ticks. The product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) as a direct result of eliminating flea infestations.

BRAVECTO products are only available through licensed veterinarians. BRAVECTO Topical for cats is expected to be available later in 2016. The dog topical product is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2017.