Merck Animal Health is close to releasing a spot-on formulation of its Bravecto flea and tick preventive—but only in Europe. A committee of the European Medicines Agency on March 17 recommended that the European Commission approve Bravecto (fluralaner) Spot-On for use with cats and dogs. Merck, known outside the United States and Canada as MSD Animal Health, reported Tuesday that the topical formulation provides up to 12 weeks of protection, just like with Bravecto (fluralaner) Chews, which are limited to canine use. The original preventive was released in 2014 in Europe and the United States. To date, more than 13 million chewable tablets have been dispensed in 60 countries, Merck stated. U.S. veterinarians and pet owners could see the spot-on someday. “We do plan to pursue approval in the U.S. but do not have any additional information regarding the timing of that,” Merck spokeswoman Amy Firsching said. The European product would be administered using what the company called “Twist’n’Use” pipettes. The planned sizes are 112.5, 250, 500, 1,000 and 1,400 milligrams for dogs and 112.5, 250 and 500 mg for cats. The topical solution is indicated for the treatment of tick and flea infestations and flea allergy dermatitis on cats and dogs. “Fleas and ticks must attach to the treated animal and commence feeding in order to be exposed to the active substance,” the Madison, N.J., company stated.
