MSD Animal Health Launches Fluralaner Chewable Tablets for Dogs in China, Offering 12-Week Parasite Protection

Beijing, July 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MSD Animal Health announced today the launch of fluralaner chewable tablets, an oral antiparasitic medication for dogs, in China. The product is indicated for the treatment of flea and tick infestations on dogs and serves as an adjunctive therapy for flea allergy dermatitis. As a chewable tablet providing 12-week extended protection against flea and tick infestations, it requires administration only once every 12 weeks, offering pet owners and their pets more convenient and effective protection.

According to statistics, in 2018, the number of urban pet owners in China reached 73.55 million (including aquatic pets), among whom approximately 33.9 million were dog owners, with a total pet dog population of about 50.85 million. More than 80% of pet owners regard their pets as their own children and family members.^[1]However, while pets provide companionship and joy, pet health issues such as parasitic diseases should not be underestimated. Ticks and fleas are common external parasites in pets that can transmit various diseases, including tapeworms and Lyme disease, affecting the growth, development, and overall health of pets, while also posing health risks to pet owners.

In response, Professor Lin Degui, doctoral supervisor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, stated, “Clinical cases of diseases in dogs caused by flea and tick infestations are very common, primarily due to pet owners’ lack of awareness regarding regular preventive care. Pet owners should adopt scientifically sound pet-care practices, choose safe and effective deworming methods, and develop the good habit of regular parasite control.”

Fluralaner is a systemic antiparasitic agent that provides flea and tick control on dogs for up to 12 weeks. Fluralaner is effective against Ctenocephalides canis, acting rapidly against adult fleas with prolonged efficacy, and also inhibits flea egg production, thereby disrupting the flea life cycle. Fluralaner also kills Ixodes ricinus (larvae, nymphs, and adults), Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma variegatum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Studies conducted in the United States and Spain have demonstrated that a 12-week dosing interval significantly improves pet owner compliance.^[2],[3]Meanwhile, the pork liver-flavored chewable tablets of fluralaner are highly palatable and more readily accepted by pet dogs.

Mr. Huang Jinyun, General Manager of MSD Animal Health, stated, “MSD Animal Health is committed to becoming the world’s leading animal health company. We are delighted that fluralaner, a long-acting antiparasitic medication widely trusted by pet owners globally, has been introduced to China, bringing innovative solutions for pet health and contributing to the happiness and harmony of pet-owning households!”

Fluralaner was first registered in the European Union in January 2014 and launched in April of the same year. Currently, fluralaner has been registered in more than 85 countries, with over 100 million tablets sold.

^[1]“2018 White Paper on China’s Pet Industry” (Consumer Report)https://news.goumin.com/a/2018-08-25/0011535224446.html
^[2] Lavan et al. Dog owner flea/tick medication purchases in the USA. Parasites & Vectors (2018) 11:581.
^[3] Lavan et al. Duration of annual canine flea and tick protection provided by dog owners in Spain. Parasites & Vectors (2018) 11:458.

About MSD Animal Health 

For more than a century, MSD has been a leader in the global healthcare industry, delivering medicines and vaccines to tackle some of the world’s most challenging diseases and enhance lives. MSD Animal Health, a subsidiary of MSD, is responsible for the company’s animal health business. Guided by its value proposition, “Science for Healthier Animals™,” MSD provides veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments with a broad portfolio of animal health medicines, vaccines, health management solutions, as well as digital identification, traceability, and monitoring products. MSD Animal Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of animals and the people who care for them. To this end, the company invests extensively in diverse R&D resources and a modern global supply chain. Currently, MSD Animal Health operates in more than 50 countries and regions, with its products sold in approximately 150 markets worldwide. For more information, please visit the official MSD Animal Health website.www.msd-animal-health.com/。

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