Boehringer Ingelheim, a German family-owned research-driven biopharmaceutical company and global leader in animal health, has announced the launch of NexGard SPECTRA® chewable tablets in India following its approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. After the launch of NexGard X and L in 2020 and NexGard S and M (afoxolaner) in 2023, this represents an expansion of the NexGard product line for dogs aged at least two months and weighing 2 kg or more.
NexGard SPECTRA is a soft, flavourful chewable tablet for dogs that offers broad-spectrum internal and external parasite control in a single monthly dose, a press release from Boehringer Ingelheim said. A prescription-only product in India, NexGard SPECTRA contains two active ingredients: afoxolaner, which targets fleas and ticks, and milbemycin oxime, which protects against heartworm and controls intestinal worms. NexGard SPECTRA provides comprehensive protection in a single monthly chewable, offering convenience, safety, and peace of mind, the release said.
Parasite infestation can result in a range of health issues in dogs, from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. They can also transmit diseases such as tick fever. Heartworms can lead to heart failure. Lungworms can cause respiratory problems. Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms can result in gastrointestinal issues, anaemia, weight loss, and even fatality, especially in puppies.
NexGard SPECTRA has demonstrated rapid action, killing fleas within four hours of treatment, the company said, adding that over 99% effectiveness was observed at eight hours. The tablet exhibited over 97.5% reduction in Demodex mites after three monthly treatments and 99% effectiveness against Sarcoptes mites with a single dose, it said. Additionally, it showed over 95% efficacy against roundworms, over 98.3% against whipworms, and 100% against heartworms, the release said. NexGard SPECTRA also provides over 90% effectiveness against hookworms and demonstrated full efficacy against eyeworms with monthly administration, the company said.
“With an estimated pet dog population of more than 27 million in India in 2021, according to a study by A. Minhas published in March, there is a significant need for comprehensive parasite control measures,” said Dr Vinod Gopal, country head–animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim India. “Effective parasite control in pets is not just about treating, but also about preventing. NexGard SPECTRA signifies a major step forward in comprehensive parasite control, providing a convenient and effective solution for veterinarians as well as pet parents. It reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation. Remember, a healthy pet means a healthy home.”
Dr Kallahalli Umesh, a Bangalore-based small animal consultant, said, “Tick-borne diseases in India are now year-round and endemic in some cities due to challenges in controlling tick populations, as a single female tick can lay up to 20,000 eggs. Furthermore, ticks at all stages of development can remain infective for several generations, causing recurrent tick fever in dogs. Fast and effective treatments against ticks, fleas, mange mites, and internal parasites are crucial for controlling these infections and maintaining pet health.”
Bombay-based veterinarian Dr Makrand Chavan, general secretary, Federation of Small Animal Practitioners Associations–India, said, “Maintaining a regular parasite control regimen is crucial for pet and owner well-being. Appropriate preventive treatments stop the spread of these parasites, ensure health, comfort, and a safer environment by reducing disease risks from parasites. It’s part of responsible pet ownership.”
Dr Jasjeet Josan, secretary of the National Veterinary Foundation, said, “Reliable anti-parasitic drugs for dogs are vital to prevent and treat potentially fatal parasitic infections, which also pose human health risks. From a public health perspective, a strict regime to eradicate these parasites is essential. The current need in the pet segment is a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drug targeting both endo and ectoparasites, for both prevention and treatment.”
According to Dr B. Nagarajan, president, Association for Veterinary Dermatology, India, “The need for a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drug for dogs arises due to the prevalence of various parasitic infections, including ticks, fleas, mites, and worms. Additionally, it would simplify treatment protocols for veterinarians and pet owners by offering a single solution for multiple parasitic threats. It will also reduce the dangers of spread of zoonotic diseases between animal and humans.”
NexGard SPECTRA will be available in five different sizes to accommodate dogs of various weights. Its 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.
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