July 21, 2016

Merck Animal Health Receives FDA Approval of BRAVECTO® (fluralaner Topical Solution) for Cats and Dogs

Topical Treatment for Fleas and Ticks Effective for up to 12 Weeks
MADISON, N.J., July 21, 2016 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, today 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 weeks1,2 following a single dose.
“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 (fluralaner topical solution), 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 (fluralaner topical solution) 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 (fluralaner topical solution) 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 (fluralaner topical solution) 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. “Now 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.”^1,2
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.

1. BRAVECTO (fluralaner topical solution) for cats is not effective against Dermacentor variabilis ticks beyond 8 weeks after dosing.
2. BRAVECTO (fluralaner topical solution) for dogs is not effective against Amblyomma americanum ticks beyond 8 weeks after dosing.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (CATS):

The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. Bravecto has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks’ duration in kittens less than 6 months of age. Bravecto is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. For topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion. The safety of Bravecto has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic abnormalities. Neurologic abnormalities have been reported in cats receiving Bravecto, even in cats without a history of neurologic abnormalities.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (DOGS):

The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and moist dermatitis/rash. Bravecto has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks’ duration in puppies less than 6 months of age. Bravecto is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. For topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving fluralaner, even in dogs without a history of seizures.

About Merck Animal Health

For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck (NYSE:MRK). Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. 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 or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @MerckAH.

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