Multicenter randomized, and blinded European field study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Felpreva®, a novel spot-on formulation containing emodepside, praziquantel and tigolaner, in treating cats naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks

Abstract

The present field study evaluated the safety and 3-month preventive efficacy of a novel spot-on endectocide containing emodepside 2.04% w/v, praziquantel 8.14% w/v and tigolaner 9.79% w/v (Felpreva®, Vetoquinol) when administered at the intended commercial dose of 0.15 ml/kg body weight to privately owned cats infested by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and/or ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Rhipicephalus spp.). The efficacy of Felpreva® to reduce the clinical signs associated with flea allergy dermatitis was also evaluated. A total of 326 cats, i.e. 120 and 206 infested by ticks and fleas respectively, from 16 different sites located in Hungary and Portugal were included on Day 0 and allocated in two Groups at a ratio of 2:1 (T1:T2). Cats of T1 were treated with Felpreva®, while cats of T2 were dosed with a commercial Control Product (Bravecto®, MSD Animal Health) licensed for the same indications. Of the 120 tick-infested cats, 79 and 41 were treated with Felpreva® and Bravecto® respectively, while of the 206 flea-infested cats, 139 were treated with Felpreva® and 67 with Bravecto®. Cats were physically examined on Days 7, 28, 56, 75 and 90; when present, fleas and ticks were counted and collected. Efficacy evaluation was based on the mean percent reduction of live parasite counts for each of five visits versus the pre-treatment count. Percent reductions of live flea and tick counts over all post-baseline periods were 99.74% (T1) versus 98.56% (T2) and 97.50% (T1) versus 98.65% (T2), respectively. Non-inferiority for the Felpreva® compared with the Bravecto® treated group was statistically demonstrated for both fleas and ticks. Three adverse events were observed and considered unlikely related to the treatment. These results show that the new topical combination product Felpreva® is safe and highly efficacious in treating flea and tick infections in cats for at least three months (90 days) with a single administration. In 16 cats that were identified with flea allergy dermatitis, the clinical signs of flea allergy dermatitis improved following treatment in both groups.