Merial receives EU approval for NexGard flea and tick treatment

Merial has announced that its NexGard treatment for flea and tick infestations in dogs has been approved by the European Commission.

One oral treatment is able to kill fleas for at least five weeks and ticks for up to one month, while it can also be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis.

It uses an active ingredient called afoxolaner, which has a new and distinct mode of action that kills parasites living on the skin or in the fur of animals. It kills fleas rapidly before they can lay eggs, while providing lasting protection against ticks.

Studies have shown NexGard is effective in treating infestations by the main species of fleas and ticks in dogs, as well as being highly palatable.

Carsten Hellmann, Merial's chief executive officer, said: "The NexGard approval in Europe, less than six months after receiving US FDA approval, is an important milestone for MeriaI and strengthens our parasiticides portfolio for companion animals."

Last month, the company launched Oncept IL-2, the first veterinary immunotherapeutic product in Europe for the management of cancer in pets.