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Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, announced the launch of NexGard Spectra (afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime) in India, following its approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). After the successful launches of its blockbuster NexGard range of products - NexGard X and L in 2020 and NexGard S and M (afoxolaner) in 2023, this represents an expansion of the NexGard brand of product line for dogs aged between two months and weighing two kgs and above.
The newly launched drug is a soft, flavourful chew for dogs that offers broad-spectrum internal and external parasite control in a single monthly dose. As a prescription-only product in India, it contains two active ingredients - afoxolaner, which targets fleas and ticks, and milbemycin oxime, which protects against heartworm and controls intestinal worms. The company claims that the drug provides comprehensive protection in a single monthly chewable form.
Parasites can lead to a range of health issues, from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions, impacting the overall well-being of dogs. Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause skin irritation, and allergic reactions, and transmit diseases such as tick fever. Heartworms can lead to heart failure and lungworms can cause respiratory problems. While intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms can result in gastrointestinal issues, anaemia, weight loss, and even fatalities, especially in young puppies.
The product has demonstrated rapid action, killing fleas within four hours post-treatment, and over 99% effectiveness was observed at eight hours. It exhibited >97.5% reduction against Demodex mites after three monthly treatments and 99% effectiveness against sarcoptes mites with just one dose. Additionally, it showed over 95% efficacy against roundworms, over 98.3% against whipworms, and 100% against heartworms. It also provided over 90% effectiveness against hookworms and demonstrated full efficacy against eye worms with monthly administration.
“With an estimated pet dog population of more than 27 million in India, there is a significant need for comprehensive parasite control measures. Effective parasite control in pets is not just about treating, but also about prevention. NexGard Spectra signifies a major step forward in comprehensive parasite control, providing a convenient and effective solution for veterinarians as well as pet parents,” said Dr. Vinod Gopal, country head - animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim India.
The product will be available in five different sizes to accommodate dogs of various weights. Its unique combination of two active ingredients, afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime, works to exterminate fleas and ticks on the dog's skin before they can lay eggs and to eradicate internal parasites such as heartworm larvae, roundworms, and hookworms, said the company.
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