• Boehringer Ingelheim expands the label claims of its NexGard^® brands for the treatment of two severe skin diseases in dogs in the EU and in Australia
• By broadening the range, Boehringer Ingelheim contributes to the improvement of dogs’ health globally

Ingelheim, Germany, 28 November 2018 – Boehringer Ingelheim received approval to expand the label claims for its NexGard^® brands for the treatment of two severe skin diseases in dogs. Both NexGard^® and NexGard Spectra^® are now approved for the treatment of the cutaneous diseases demodicosis (caused by the Demodex canis mite) as well as sarcoptic mange (caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis mite), both in the EU and in Australia.
Canine demodicosis, also called demodectic mange, is considered one of the most severe skin diseases in dogs, which can be life-threatening. Demodex mites live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the dog’s skin. They induce strong skin inflammatory reaction with erythema, seborrhea, and hair loss, usually starting on the muzzle and head and progressing towards the rear. The majority of dogs are naturally infested and healthy carriers, and the mites can be transferred from mother to puppies. Most healthy animals are able to inhibit mite proliferation and live with a limited mite population. If a dog develops generalised demodicosis, this usually means that the immune system is compromised, either due to genetic factors, or to intercurrent diseases such as cancer or diabetes.
Canine scabies, also called sarcoptic mange, is a generalised dermatitis in dogs and often difficult to diagnose. The disease is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, a highly contagious skin parasite. The mites burrow into the skin and cause severe itching, which may result in the formation of scabs and hair loss. It is a non-seasonal parasite that can be found in dogs of all ages and breeds. “Sarcoptes mites are not only easily transferred between dogs, but are zoonotic parasites which can be passed from animals to humans,” explains Prof. Fred Beugnet, Head of Global Veterinary Technical Services, Parasiticides, at Boehringer Ingelheim. “This is why the treatment of this disease is crucial for animals’ as well as humans’ health.”
The approvals by the European Commission and Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority are based on three experimental studies¹ and two well-controlled field studies² demonstrating the exceptional efficacy of the afoxolaner molecule. “Both field studies in Europe clearly confirmed the safety and efficacy against the two diseases of the administration of both NexGard^® and NexGard Spectra^®,” shares Prof. Fred Beugnet. The canine demodicosis study showed an overall efficacy of afoxolaner of more than 98 per cent.
The studies on sarcoptic mange showed an almost 100 per cent efficacy against mites after just one administration.
“As animal well-being is the core focus of our business, we are proud to broaden our NexGard^® range with these new claims and thus contribute to the improvement of dogs’ health,” says Dr. Jean-Philippe Tronel, Global Brand Director, Boehringer Ingelheim. “In addition, both products offer an oral treatment that is easier and more appreciated by dogs than the existing solutions.”