New broad-spectrum parasite protection for cats receives FDA approval

Officials with the FDA have approved esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution (NexGard COMBO; Boehringer Ingelheim [BI]) for feline parasite protection. The once monthly topical solution is the first feline broad-spectrum protection that treats tapeworms, according to an organizational release, according to BI. The topical solution also protects cats against fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm disease, and is specially formulated for cats to help promote adherence to the treatment.¹

Combining 3 active ingredients in a once-monthly application, the treatment is “easy and convenient”, according to Whit Cothern, DVM, executive director of veterinary professional services at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. To further enable compliance, veterinarians can prescribe 3-dose and 6-dose presentations to best support the needs of their feline patients.¹

Clinical studies have demonstrated benefits to using the combination topical solution, according to the release. Results include the following benefits¹:

Kills fleas before they can lay eggs²

• Kills the most common tick species on cats in the United States—black-legged ticks and lone star ticks, for 1 month^2,3
• Was 100% effective in preventing heartworm disease in cats. For heartworm disease prevention, apply once monthly for at least 3 months after last exposure to mosquitoes²
• Was effective against the common tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum²
• Was proven effective to treat roundworm and hookworm infections²
• Is safe for cats and kittens as young as 8 weeks and weighing at least 1.8 lbs²

Each application of the topical solution contains esafoxolaner (12 mg per mL), which was specially formulated for cats to kill fleas and ticks. The product also contains eprinomectin (4 mg per mL) to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control roundworms and hookworms, and praziquantel (83 mg per mL) for the treatment and control of tapeworms.¹

“NexGard COMBO is the one veterinarians and cat owners will want,” Cothern said, in the release. The combination topical solution will be available for veterinary clinics to order in May 2023.¹

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim Introduces NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution): The First-and-Only Feline Broad-Spectrum Parasite Protection that Treats Tapeworms. News release. April 24, 2023. Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boehringer-ingelheim-introduces-nexgard-combo-esafoxolaner-eprinomectin-and-praziquantel-topical-solution-the-first-and-only-feline-broad-spectrum-parasite-protection-that-treats-tapeworms-301805098.html
2. Freedom of Information Summary. NADA 141-570, NexGard COMBO topical solution
3. Saleh MN, Sundstrom KD, Duncan KT, et al. Show us your ticks: a survey of ticks infesting dogs and cats across the USA. Parasit Vectors. 2019;12(595). doi:10.1186/s13071-019-3847-3.
4. Nagamori Y, et al. Retrospective survey of parasitisim identified in feces of client-owned cats in North America from 2007 through 2018. Vet Parasitol. 2020;277: 109008. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109008