Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval of NOBIVAC® NXT Canine Flu H3N2, a next-level solution to help safeguard dogs against the ongoing threat of canine influenza. The product is expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide late this summer.
Merck Animal Health has a long-standing commitment to discovering and developing innovative preventive medicines that support veterinary healthcare teams and improve the lives of pets. NOBIVAC NXT is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind vaccine technology for companion animals that leverages RNA-particle technology, allowing for a precise immune response to protect against a wide range of viral and bacterial pathogens.
"On behalf of Merck Animal Health and our NOBIVAC brand, we are beyond proud to introduce our latest vaccine using ‘NXT-level’ technology. This is a groundbreaking advancement in our vaccine pipeline designed to meet the evolving needs of veterinarians and pet owners alike,” said Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health. “With over 70 years of innovation and commitment to animal health, our new NOBIVAC NXT technology will continue to lead the way in providing breakthrough solutions for the prevention of disease in animals.”
NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is the first and only canine influenza vaccine built on Merck Animal Health’s RNA-particle technology platform to deliver optimized protection against the most prevalent canine influenza virus circulating in the United States. NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is a nonadjuvanted, low volume 0.5 mL dose vaccine that harnesses the natural ability of the immune system to generate a robust response without compromising comfort or safety. The product is indicated for the vaccination of healthy dogs eight weeks of age or older against canine influenza H3N2.
“As a leader in innovation and trusted advocate for disease prevention, Merck Animal Health uses its leadership and expertise in research and development to make medicines that help keep pets safe,” said Ian Tarpey, vice president, research and development, Merck Animal Health. “The NOBIVAC NXT innovation represents a major advancement in vaccine technology and furthers our commitment to animal care by helping veterinarians protect pets from significant disease and ultimately, improve their lives by preventing health issues.”
Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a serious respiratory illness that is easily transmitted from dog to dog. Canines are social creatures by nature and are at risk for infection when exposed to the virus. Moreover, unlike human flu, canine influenza is not seasonal; dogs are susceptible to it year-round, which is why it’s important to vaccinate every year.
“Vaccination is the best form of protection against this highly transmissible disease. When canine influenza does show up in large outbreaks, it can have a widespread impact,” said Meg Conlon, DVM, executive director, veterinary professional services, Merck Animal Health. “Pets have become part of the family and are integrated into so many aspects of our lives, which makes vaccination even more crucial. At Merck Animal Health, we continue to stress the importance of preventative care to keep our beloved pets healthy and protected from potential illness.”
Merck Animal Health has been leading canine influenza protection since launching the first canine influenza vaccine – NOBIVAC® Canine Flu H3N8 – in 2009. When canine influenza H3N2 emerged as an epidemic in the U.S. in 2015, Merck Animal Health made its monovalent H3N2 vaccine available to protect dogs against the disease; and in 2016, the company was first to receive a fully licensed bivalent and monovalent H3N2 vaccine. In addition, the company has been advancing canine respiratory protection for decades with its intranasal, canine flu and oral respiratory vaccines that prevent the spread of pathogens and protect the respiratory health of dogs.
