Veterinary pharmaceutical maker Ceva Animal Health is preparing new products and plotting an aggressive advertising campaign to drive more business to veterinary clinics, the company’s North American division announced Tuesday. Sales of Ceva’s Vectra parasiticides for dogs and cats grew by 34.5 percent in the United States in 2012. Looking to capture even more market share for Vectra, the company is planning television advertising and “first dose free” coupons in 2013. The company’s behavior segment, which includes products such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs, increased by 30.4 percent in 2012, the Lenexa, Kan.-based division reported. A new product, Feliway Wipes, will be introduced at the Western Veterinary Conference, which begins Sunday in Las Vegas. Adaptil and Feliway will be centerpieces of a nationwide Behavior Advocate Program and a veterinary-exclusive sampling program, the company added. Also planned is the continuation of the Keep The L.O.V.E. Alive bus tour, which aims to increase awareness of behavior products as an alternative to euthanizing a pet. “We are coming off a very strong year and believe Ceva will continue growth with an outstanding team in place, with great existing and new products, and with continued financial support and commitment to the veterinary profession,” said Craig Wallace, CEO of Ceva Holdings Inc. Karen Padgett, DVM, a former Hill’s Pet Nutrition executive, was hired in January as chief operating officer of Ceva Animal Health’s Companion Animal Group. Other news from 2012 included Ceva’s entry into the U.S. equine market with the launch of Altresyn, a generic Altrenogest drug formulated for the control of mare heat cycles. In addition, Ceva Biomune, a division focusing on animal vaccine production, began a $7 million renovation in July 2012 in Lenexa. The work is expected to wrap up in June with the unveiling of 33,000 square feet of laboratory and office space. Ceva Animal Health is a sponsor of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 150th anniversary celebration and is an inaugural sponsor of the American Association of Feline Practitioner’s Cat Friendly Practice initiative. Parent company Ceva Santé Animale is headquartered in Libourne, France. <HOME>
