Noteworthy FDA Approvals

Centragard (eprinomectin and praziquantel transdermal solution)—manufactured by Merial, now a part of Boehringer Ingelheim—is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. It is also approved for the treatment and control of roundworms (adult and fourth-stage larval Toxocara cati), hookworms (adult and fourth-stage larval Ancylostoma tubaeforme, adult Ancylostoma braziliense), and tapeworms (adult Dipylidium caninum and Echinococcus multilocularis) in cats and kittens 7 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 1.8 lb. The topical medication is applied monthly and available by prescription only.

The effectiveness of Centragard was demonstrated in 18 controlled laboratory studies, with no adverse effects reported in any of the 226 cats administered the labeled dose. Study results indicate that Centragard is effective against induced heartworm infections after a single dose, as well as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms after a single dose or when given monthly as a preventive.

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Mirataz: Feline Appetite Stimulant

Developed by California-based Kindred Biosciences, Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal ointment) is intended for the management of weight loss in cats. It contains mirtazapine, a tetracyclic compound originally developed as an antidepressant for humans. Formulated with proprietary Accusorb technology, Mirataz is administered by applying a 1.5-in ribbon (about 2 mg) to the cat’s inner ear once daily for 14 days.

“This is the first and only drug approved by the FDA for this very serious condition,” KindredBio CEO Richard Chin said. “Not only that, but it is the first transdermal drug for cats approved by the FDA ever.”

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Semintra: Systemic Hypertension Control

Available in Europe since 2013, Semintra (telmisartan oral solution) has become the first FDA-approved drug to control systemic hypertension in cats. With a highly targeted mode of action, Semintra provides rapid and reliable reduction in proteinuria in cats with chronic kidney disease. The drug’s active ingredient is telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker that reduces blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. According to study results, the drug is well tolerated in cats (>90%), with its excretion almost exclusively independent of kidney function.

Marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim, Semintra is dosed twice daily for 14 days at 1.5 mg/kg and then decreased to once daily at 2.0 mg/kg. The oral solution can be administered either directly into the cat’s mouth or on top of a small amount of food.

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