Veterinary Medicines Directorate Approves Injectable Formulation of BRAVECTO® (Fluralaner) for Use in Dogs in Great Britain

Milton Keynes, U.K., 24 June, 2024 – MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) has approved BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) 150 mg/ml powder and solvent for suspension for injection for dogs. This new injectable fluralaner formulation is approved for the immediate and persistent killing of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis), from 3 days to 12 months after treatment for Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus, from 4 days to 12 months after treatment for Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and from 7 days to 12 months after treatment for Ixodes hexagonus.

This injectable formulation of BRAVECTO can be used by or under the supervision of a veterinarian for administration to dogs and puppies six months of age and older. The product reduces the risk of vector-borne infection from Babesia canis canis via transmission by Dermacentor reticulatus from day 3 after treatment for up to 12 months, and also reduces the risk of infection with Dipylidium caninum via transmission by Ctenocephalides felis for up to 12 months.

“For a decade, MSD Animal Health has been proud to offer BRAVECTO for long-lasting flea and tick protection,” said Holger Lehmann, Vice President, Research & Development – Pharmaceuticals, MSD Animal Health. “With the approval of an injectable formulation of BRAVECTO, we have expanded our portfolio with a new innovation in the fight against parasites, providing veterinarians with an injection for adult dogs and puppies over six months of age that delivers flea and tick protection for one full year following a single administration.”

“Our love of pets and desire to support pet owners is at the heart of everything we do at MSD Animal Health, which is why we’re so excited about the impact this BRAVECTO innovation will have on dogs and their owners,” said Victoria Miles, UK Companion Animal Business Unit Director, MSD Animal Health. “Imagine not having to worry about flea and tick protection for a whole year. This injectable formulation of BRAVECTO will give owners peace of mind and allow our nation’s dogs to enjoy their everyday adventures free from the risk of fleas and ticks.”

This approval by the VMD follows the EU approval of the BRAVECTO injectable formulation in January 2024.

About BRAVECTO® (fluralaner)

            Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided long-lasting flea and tick protection, with more than 300 million doses distributed in more than 100 countries. BRAVECTO is available in a variety of formulations, and includes products for both dogs and cats.

Providing pets – whether they go outside or not – with continuous flea and tick protection is important to prevent infestations. Contrary to popular belief among pet owners, fleas and ticks are not only active in the spring and summer months, but they are a year-round risk.

Fleas and ticks can easily infest dogs and cats and  can spread serious diseases including some which infect humans. Ticks in the UK may spread babesiosis, borreliosis (Lyme disease), tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill. Fleas are the most common external parasite found on pets and can potentially transmit bartonellosis (Cat Scratch disease),feline infectious anaemia  tapeworms and rickettsial disease.

About MSD Animal Health

At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in 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. MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of MSD. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, 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. MSD 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. MSD Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA

            This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

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BRAVECTO® 150 mg/ml powder and solvent for suspension for injection for dogs has a 12-months duration of efficacy against flea and tick species indicated on the SPC and contains fluralaner. POM-V. 

Further advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber. For more information, refer to the SPC, datasheet or package leaflet. 

Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone.  

Use medicines responsibly. 

MSD Animal Health UK Limited. Registered office: Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ, UK.  Registered in England & Wales no. 946942.  

UK-BRV-240600001

© 2024 MSD Animal Health UK Limited.