Boehringer Ingelheim receives EMA marketing authorization for NexGard® COMBO, the first isoxazoline-based full endectocide for cats

Ingelheim, Germany, January 13, 2021 - Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, is proud to announce that it has received  marketing authorization from the EMA (European Medicine Agency) and European Commission for its  NexGard^® COMBO topical solution for cats. This innovative parasiticide will be available in the European Union shortly. NexGard^® COMBO offers unparalleled protection for cats: It kills a broader range of parasites than any other isoxazoline-based cat parasiticide currently available on the market.

As such, NexGard^® COMBO eliminates fleas, ticks, and ear mites, prevents heartworm disease and treats hookworm, roundworm, vesical worm, lungworm, as well as tapeworm infections. Active ingredients are esafoxolaner (the new generation of afoxolaner), eprinomectin, and praziquantel.

Infection by both external and internal parasites is common in cats and occurs at a significant rate worldwide.^1,2 NexGard^® COMBO provides efficacy against both types of parasites with a triple action formula – making compliance to treatment recommendations easier for cat owners. Application is also easy for cat owners with the syringe-shaped pipette. 

Multiple clinical studies supported the approval and showed that NexGard^® COMBO:

• Kills fleas before they can lay eggs and maintains efficacy for one month³
• Kills the most common tick species in cats: Ixodes scapularis for one month and Ixodes ricinus for five weeks³
• Is 100 percent effective in preventing heartworm disease⁴
• Is 100 percent effective against Echinococcus multilocularis⁴
• Exceeds the 90 percent regulatory threshold for other internal parasite efficacy⁴
• Is safe for cats and kittens as young as 8 weeks and weighing at least 0.8kg³

“Boehringer Ingelheim has always been on the cutting edge of research and development in the parasiticide space, and we’re thrilled to continue that pioneering approach with the granting of a marketing authorization for NexGard^® COMBO for cats in the EU. NexGard® COMBO is the first isoxazoline-based full endectocide developed specifically for cats,” shares Dr. Craig Beck, Global Franchise Head NexGard^®, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. “We’re dedicated to being the global leader in feline health care and the launch of NexGard^® COMBO for cats expands our trusted feline product portfolio.”

The NexGard^® family of products is the global #1 pet parasiticides brand in sales⁵ and has been used worldwide over 465 million times in dogs⁶. Now, for the first time, the brand has expanded to feline parasite control products.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. Across the globe, our 10,000 employees are dedicated to delivering value through innovation, thus enhancing the well-being of both.

Respect for animals, humans and the environment is at the heart of what we do. We develop solutions and provide services to protect animals from disease and pain. We support our customers in taking care of the health of their animals and protect our communities against life- and society-threatening diseases.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is the second largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of 4 billion euros in 2019 and presence in more than 150 countries.

For more information visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/overview.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or in our annual report: http://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Intended audiences:

This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.

References

¹Beugnet F. et al. (2014) Parasites of domestic owned cats in Europe: co-infestations and risk factors. Parasites & Vectors, 2014, 7:291

²Nagamori Y. et al. (2020) Retrospective survey of parasitism identified in feces of client-owned cats in North America from 2007 through 2018. Veterinary Parasitology 277-109008

³NexGard^® COMBO European SPC

⁴VICH GL 20 – Efficacy of anthelmintics: Specific recommendations for felines

⁵Source: Vetnosis, 2019 sales

⁶Data on file