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Boehringer Ingelheim Receives Emergency Use Authorization for New Screwworm Treatments

In a significant development for animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim, a prominent player in the animal healthcare sector, has successfully obtained Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for innovative treatments aimed at combatting New World screwworm (NWS) in pets. This decision comes as the New World screwworm infestation begins to rear its head in Mexico, emphasizing the necessity for readiness to protect the health of animals in the United States.

Treatments Authorized

The authorized treatments are NexGard® (afoxolaner) Chewables for dogs and puppies, and NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) for cats and kittens. According to Daniel Watkins, Head of U.S. Pet at Boehringer Ingelheim, the agency's swift action ensures that veterinarians are well-equipped to respond promptly when faced with the threat of NWS infestations.

Understanding New World Screwworm

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly that poses a severe threat to warm-blooded animals by laying eggs in their open wounds or soft tissues. This alarming behavior leads to larvae hatching and burrowing into the flesh, resulting in potentially lethal damage to the animal's health. Particularly susceptible animals include those that have recently given birth, have open wounds, or are recuperating from surgical procedures.

Currently, while NWS is not known to exist within the United States, authorities have recently confirmed its presence in livestock in northern Mexico, specifically in the Tamaulipas region, which borders Texas. Hence, it’s crucial to stay prepared to ensure the welfare of domesticated animals.

Importance of Stocked Treatments

Steve Maschmedt, Executive Director of Pet Veterinary Technical Services at Boehringer Ingelheim, stated that failures to act promptly could result in a rapid escalation of screwworm infestations, thereby putting pets at grave risk. The availability of these authorized treatment options allows veterinarians to make quick and effective decisions when the suspicion of NWS infestations arises. Moreover, continuous flea and tick control regimens are highly encouraged since they can help lessen skin irritation and minimize opportunities for NWS flies to lay eggs.

Dispensing and Usage Guidelines

Both NexGard and NexGard COMBO treatments are authorized for dispensing exclusively by licensed veterinarians or upon their order. More detailed information can be found on the official NexGard EUA Fact Sheet and NexGard COMBO EUA Fact Sheet.

It is crucial to note that while the FDA has authorized the emergency use of these products, they have not yet been fully approved for this particular application and are only valid for use during the current declaration of emergency concerning New World screwworms.

Safety Considerations

The company outlines important safety information for both products. For NexGard, it is specifically designed for dogs, being safe for puppies over the age of 8 weeks and weighing at least 4 pounds. Whereas, NexGard COMBO is formulated exclusively for cats and is safe for use in kittens 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 1.8 pounds.

Adverse reactions could include vomiting, lethargy, itching, and lack of appetite, indicating the importance of monitoring the pet’s health after administration.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim prides itself on providing cutting-edge solutions for the prevention and treatment of diseases in animals. Their portfolio includes a wide array of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines tailored for pets, livestock, and horses. Driven by the principle that human and animal health is interlinked, the company strives to create a positive impact on society through their initiatives. To read more about their efforts and the full details of their products, visit Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

In conclusion, the recent emergency use authorization signifies a crucial step in safeguarding animal health in the face of emerging threats. With the proactive measures taken by veterinary professionals supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, both pet owners and their beloved animals can be better prepared to face potential health crises head-on.