Chewable tablet receives FDA approval for internal and external parasites in dogs

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Officials with the FDA have approved afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets (NexGard PLUS; Boehringer Ingelheim) for canine protection from fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms. These monthly soft chews combine internal and external parasite protection with beef flavoring to help promote adherence, according to Boehringer Ingelheim.¹

"We're committed to making it as easy as possible to care for pets," said Daniel Watkins, MBA, vice president of US Pet at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, in an organizational release. With NexGard PLUS, the company is adding beef-flavored afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets to its parasiticide portfolio, from which veterinarians can prescribe the right products for the needs of each pet and pet owner.

Parasitic threats have expanded beyond their traditional regions and seasons.¹ Many tick species, for example, are now found in places that they didn't exist a decade ago, and they are searching for a host whenever temperatures are above freezing. Fleas can be an ever-present risk for dogs throughout the US, and the heartworm disease has become more prevalent across much of the country. This is a contributing factor in the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommending that pet owners administer year-round broad-spectrum parasite control with efficacy against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks.²

According to BI, clinical studies have demonstrated that afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets are safe and effective for dogs, against these parasitic threats. To help enable compliance, veterinarians can prescribe 3-dose and 6-dose presentations to best support the needs of their canine patients.¹

"NexGard PLUS is the one veterinarians will want to help keep dogs protected from parasites. It offers internal and external parasite protection in a single monthly chew that dogs will enjoy, is backed by our clinic support team, and is the latest innovation in our trusted parasiticide portfolio,” said Whit Cothern, DVM, executive director of veterinary professional services at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, in the release. “Veterinarians tackle complex challenges in their clinics every day, so we are proud to offer the solutions you want and the customer care that you want — all in one place.”¹

BI’s beef-flavored afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets are expected to be available for veterinary practices to order on July 31, 2023.¹

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim receives FDA approval for NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel chewable tablets): a beef-flavored soft chew that protects dogs from internal and external parasites. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. July 20, 2023. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boehringer-ingelheim-receives-fda-approval-for-nexgard-plus-afoxolaner-moxidectin-and-pyrantel-chewable-tablets-a-beef-flavored-soft-chew-that-protects-dogs-from-internal-and-external-parasites-301882307.html
2. General guidelines for dogs and cats. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Published February 16, 2017. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/general-guidelines/