Merck Animal Health Announces Approval of BRAVECTO QUANTUM™ (fluralaner) in Australia, the First and Only Injectable Parasiticide to Provide Up to a Full Year of Flea and Tick Protection for Dogs
Novel injectable suspension delivers ongoing efficacy against fleas and ticks for dogs six months and older in a single dose
MADISON, N.J., May 1, 2023 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced that the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved a novel injectable formulation of BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) for the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations for 12 months, control of paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) for 12 months, control of brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) for 11 months and control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). BRAVECTO QUANTUM™ is indicated for use by or under the supervision of a veterinarian and for administration to dogs and puppies from six months of age.
The Company is working with the appropriate regulatory bodies to make the product available in markets around the world.
“Since our initial launch of BRAVECTO, nearly a decade ago, Merck Animal Health has been committed to bringing innovations to our customers that protect pets longer from flea and tick-borne illnesses,” said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “With the approval of the first and only once-yearly injectable flea and paralysis tick medication, pet owners now have a new, convenient option for comprehensive protection to help keep their pets protected year-round from fleas and paralysis ticks without the need for administering multiple doses of medication.”
Of the tick species in Australia, brown dog tick and paralysis tick are two of the most dangerous as they can transmit serious infections, cause paralysis, and may even play a role in the transmission of emerging human health-threatening pathogens, such as Q fever (caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii). Brown dog tick, the most widespread tick in tropical and sub-tropical areas of Australia, and paralysis tick, another common tick in the country, can live in both warm and cold temperatures and are known to feed on pet dogs.[i] Certain flea and tick species also can thrive in various temperatures and seasons, making continuous year-round protection of utmost importance for pets and people.
BRAVECTO QUANTUM takes 3 days to exert its full effect, so it should be applied at least 3 days before the dog is exposed to paralysis ticks. Ticks already on dogs prior to applying BRAVECTO QUANTUM will not be killed immediately after injection. These ticks should be removed.
“Though we typically think of flea and tick season during the summer months, studies have shown that while fleas and ticks are most active from early spring through the fall, fleas and brown dog ticks infest homes and can be a threat year-round,” said Jason Drake, DVM, DACVM-Parasitology, director, scientific marketing affairs, Companion Animal Parasiticides, Merck Animal Health. “With a once-yearly dosing, BRAVECTO QUANTUM can provide a long duration of protection, simplifying flea and tick protection for both pet owners and veterinarians, which promotes compliance and helps ensure continuous protection.”
The active ingredient in BRAVECTO QUANTUM is fluralaner, an isoxazoline that has been prescribed by veterinarians to protect dogs from fleas and ticks since 2014. The unique crystallized fluralaner in suspension is gradually absorbed from the site of the injection, providing ongoing efficacy against fleas and ticks for up to 12 months. There are no contraindications to administering the product with other commonly used medications and vaccinations.
BRAVECTO QUANTUM is well tolerated with the only treatment-related finding limited to transient, non-painful injection site swellings that resolved over time, with no further treatment required.
Fluralaner is part of the isoxazoline family of chemicals. Adverse reactions to this family of chemicals are rarely observed but may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetence, itching and very rarely, seizures. Most adverse reactions are self-limiting and of short duration.
About BRAVECTO® (fluralaner)
Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided longer-lasting flea and tick protection, with more than 300 million doses distributed in 85 countries. BRAVECTO is available in a variety of formulations, including products for both dogs and cats.
The flea and tick lifecycles can also last for months and missed doses of monthly treatments may leave gaps in protection.
Providing pets with continuous flea and tick protection is essential – whether the pet goes outside or not. Contrary to popular belief among pet parents, fleas and ticks are not only active in the spring and summer months and are a year-round risk.
Fleas and ticks can easily latch onto dogs and cats, and can spread serious diseases, including tapeworms and Lyme disease. They also can bite and pose health risks to human family members whether at home or outdoors. Fleas are the most common external parasite found on pets.
About Merck Animal Health
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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[1] Dehhaghi M, Kazemi Shariat Panahi H, Holmes EC, et al. Human tick-borne diseases in Australia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2019 Jan 28;9:3.