Merial Announces New Claims for NexGard™ (afoxolaner): Now Approved to Kill Two Additional Species of Ticks

DULUTH, Ga., May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Merial, the maker of FRONTLINE^® Plus Brand Products and HEARTGARD^® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), today announced that NexGard™ (afoxolaner) Chewables, the first and only soft, beef-flavored chew for dogs that kills fleas and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), is now FDA-approved to kill two additional species of ticks – the black-legged (deer) tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).[1]

These ticks are of particular importance to veterinary medicine as disease vectors. The black-legged tick is a vector of Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis,[2] and the Lone star tick may carry bacteria that cause ehrlichiosis and tularemia.[2]

"With these new claims, we are pleased that NexGard will help meet the flea and tick control needs of even more pet owners," said Dr. Hal Little, Director of Field Veterinary Services at Merial. "As ticks continue to become more of a threat and spread to new geographic areas,[2] treatment with a product like NexGard, which kills both fleas and ticks, will be especially important."

In laboratory studies, NexGard was highly effective against the black-legged tick and the Lone star tick for 48 hours after treatment[3] and demonstrated excellent sustained efficacy for a full month.[3]

NexGard contains a novel active ingredient, afoxolaner, which was developed specifically for the treatment of fleas and ticks, and designed to keep killing for a full 30 days.[1]

NexGard is approved for use in dogs and puppies eight weeks of age or older weighing more than four pounds. In both laboratory and real-world field studies, NexGard was shown to be safe and effective when used according to the label. NexGard is a vegetable-based, meatless chew that may be a suitable option for dogs with beef allergies.[4]

To learn more about NexGard, please visit NexGardForDogs.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
NexGard is for use in dogs only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia. The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures.

About Merial
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 6,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2013 sales were $2 billion. For more information, please visit www.merial.com.  

Merial is a Sanofi company.  

NEX14PRNEWCLMSRLS (05/2014)

®FRONTLINE and HEARTGARD are registered trademarks, and ™NexGard is a trademark, of Merial. ©2014 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.

[1] NexGard (afoxolaner) Chewables Prescribing Information.
[2] Kahn C, Line S, eds. The Merck Veterinary Manual Tenth Edition. Whitehouse Station, N.J.; Merck & Co., Inc. 2010: 845-851.
[3] Freedom of Information Summary, supplemental NADA 141-406, NexGard.
[4] Letendre L, Huang R, Kvaternick V, et al. The intravenous and oral pharmacokinetics of afoxolaner used as a monthly chewable antiparasitic for dogs. Veterinary Parasitology 2014; 201:190-197.

SOURCE Merial

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