Pfizer Combination Heartworm-Flea Treatment Wins FDA Approval
Bloomberg News
July 12, 1999, 12:52 p.m. ET
Washington, July 12 (Bloomberg) -- Pfizer Inc., the world's
No. 2 maker of animal drugs, won U.S. Food and Drug
Administration approval for a topical treatment called
Revolution, the first drug that combats both fleas and heartworms
in dogs and cats.
Revolution, a liquid that is placed on the animal's back
monthly, is as effective as existing treatments for both fleas
and heartworms, the FDA said.
''This is the most broad-spectrum drug that we've approved
for dogs and cats,'' said Lisa Troutman, a medical officer in the
FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine.
The drug also works against ear mites in cats and dogs,
mange in dogs and roundworm and hookworm in cats.
Revolution could help Pfizer add to the $1.3 billion in
animal health sales it recorded in 1998. In addition to
Revolution, Pfizer makes Rimadyl, a painkiller for dogs, and
Anipryl, which stems the mental deterioration of aging dogs.
Revolution is only available by prescription from a
veterinarian, and it carries a small risk of side effects, the
agency said. The most common side effect in the clinical trials
was hair loss at the spot where the drug was administered.
The FDA said it expects the drug will be introduced this
fall.
Pfizer shares rose 3/16 to 37 3/16 in midday trading.
|
