FDA Approves Merck's BRAVECTO® QUANTUM Injectable Fluralaner

Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc. in the United States and known as MSD Animal Health outside the U.S. and Canada, has secured approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a groundbreaking parasiticide for dogs. The product, named BRAVECTO® QUANTUM, is a once-a-year injectable treatment designed to protect dogs from fleas and ticks for a full 12 months. This innovative treatment is expected to reach veterinary clinics and hospitals across the United States by August 2025.

BRAVECTO QUANTUM has already been recognized in various regions, having received approval in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 and subsequently in the European Union in 2024. Now, the U.S. approval marks its availability in over 50 countries globally. The product delivers unprecedented duration in flea and tick protection, surpassing other systemic products on the market by offering a full year of protection with a single injection.

Christine Royal, DVM, vice president of the companion animal and equine business unit at Merck Animal Health, highlighted the company's commitment to long-acting preventative parasiticides. She expressed enthusiasm about providing a convenient solution that offers comprehensive, year-round protection for dogs through a single veterinary-administered injection.

The product works by eliminating adult fleas and is approved for both the treatment and prevention of flea infestations. It also targets and controls various tick infestations, including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks, for a 12-month period in dogs and puppies aged six months and older. Additionally, BRAVECTO QUANTUM addresses infestations of lone star ticks for up to eight months in the same age group.

Frank Guerino, Ph.D., associate vice president of Global Pharmaceutical Development at Merck Animal Health, pointed out that flea and tick threats are not confined to the warmer months. While these parasites are most active from early spring to late fall, they can pose risks throughout the year, necessitating continuous protection. BRAVECTO QUANTUM simplifies pet care by providing consistent, long-term protection, making it easier for pet owners and veterinarians to ensure compliance with treatment protocols.

The product's effectiveness is attributed to its unique and patented formulation of fluralaner, which maintains effective levels for up to 12 months. Fleas and ticks are more than just irritants; they can transmit serious diseases that affect both animals and humans. Continuous, year-long protection is crucial, as fleas can lead to severe allergic dermatitis in pets, and these parasites can survive in both warm and cold climates.

BRAVECTO QUANTUM exemplifies Merck Animal Health's dedication to pioneering science. The product has received accolades, winning the 2024 Edison Awards and the 2024 S&P Global Awards for Best New Companion Animal Product. This achievement underscores the company's commitment to delivering innovative solutions for pet care.

Since its inception in 2014, the BRAVECTO line has been integral in providing extended flea and tick protection, with over 350 million doses distributed across 100 countries in eight years. Available in various formulations for both dogs and cats, BRAVECTO products are strictly available through licensed veterinarians, emphasizing the importance of professional oversight in pet healthcare. Given the persistent nature of the flea lifecycle and the year-round risk posed by fleas and ticks, continuous protection is essential, whether the pets spend time outdoors or not.