Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK), today announced the U.S. approval of BRAVECTO® PLUS topical solution for cats by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). BRAVECTO PLUS is an extended-duration, broad-spectrum combination (fluralaner and moxidectin) topical solution for cats, indicated for both external and internal parasite infestations: ticks and fleas, heartworm, intestinal roundworm and hookworm. This unique formula in BRAVECTO PLUS provides extended protection for up to two months with just one application, making it the only product on the market to protect against this combination of parasites at a longer duration. BRAVECTO PLUS is expected to be available in the coming months.

“BRAVECTO PLUS addresses five of the top parasite concerns among veterinarians and cat owners, including ticks, fleas, heartworms, roundworms and hookworms,” said Christine Royal, DVM, director, Professional Services at Merck Animal Health. “These parasites are not just a nuisance, but also pose animal and human health risks. Ticks and fleas can transmit disease; and heartworm disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is a serious, progressive disease that often goes undiagnosed in cats. We are pleased to offer cat owners the latest innovation from the BRAVECTO family.”

“With BRAVECTO PLUS for cats, we have expanded our portfolio in the fight against parasites by creating an extended duration formulation, ensuring pets receive the broad-spectrum parasite coverage,” Dr. Royal said.

BRAVECTO PLUS contains fluralaner (280 mg/mL), an ectoparasiticide which has systemic activity against ticks and fleas, and moxidectin (14 mg/mL), an endectocide which has systemic activity against a range of external and internal parasites.

BRAVECTO PLUS treats fleas and ticks fast, killing 100 percent of fleas and more than 99.7% of ticks in the first 12 hours after the product is applied.1 This protection works quickly and lasts. Additionally, roundworm is the most common feline intestinal parasite, affecting up to 75% of cats, and is also effectively treated with BRAVECTO PLUS.2 The quality of extended-duration treatment with BRAVECTO PLUS helps to improve compliance among pet owners, which may lead to healthier cats.3,4

BRAVECTO PLUS is part of the Merck Animal Health pet health portfolio, which includes Sure Petcare, a range of digitally connected products.