FDA approves new topical targeting fleas, heartworm disease and intestinal parasites

SHAWNEE MISSION, KAN. - 01/31/07 - Bayer Healthcare LLC recently received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for new topical products targeting fleas, heartworms and intestinal nematodes for both dogs and cats.

Bayer officials report the approval and subsequent launch signal an important development for broad-spectrum parasite control. Advantage Multi-TM for Dogs Topical Solution and Advantage Multi-TM for Cats Topical Solution are available by prescription only through licensed veterinarians.

On Jan. 30, under the Advantage line, Bayer's Animal Health Division announced the launch and availability of the imidacloprid and moxidectin topical solution. Bayer officials add that consumers identified the need for the all-in-one topical preventive through its market research. Almost 80 percent of both dog and cat owners agreed they would prefer an effective, all-in-one topical preventive for heartworm disease, control of fleas and treatment of intestinal worms, the company reports.

Advantage Multi for Dogs and Advantage Multi for Cats combine the flea control of imidacloprid with a 100-percent effective preventive for heartworm disease and treatment of hookworms and roundworms, in addition to whipworms in dogs and ear mites in cats, the product maker says.The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends year-round treatment with heartworm preventives that have broad-spectrum activity against parasites with zoonotic potential (intestinal nematodes) and year-round flea control -- and these recommendations are endorsed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association.

For more information call (800) 255-6826 or visit www.bayerdvm.com.See DVM Newsmagazine's March issue for a more comprehensive report.