Merck Animal Health Announces Expansion of NOBIVAC® NXT Platform with the First and Only RNA-Particle Technology Vaccine for Feline Leukemia Virus

Rhea-AI Summary

Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), has announced the expansion of its NOBIVAC® NXT vaccine platform to include a new solution for protecting cats against feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The NOBIVAC NXT FeLV vaccine is the first and only FeLV vaccine using RNA-particle technology, designed to deliver optimized protection. It is expected to be available in veterinary clinics nationwide this fall.

Key features of the vaccine include:

• Nonadjuvanted, low volume 0.5 mL dose
• Labeled effective against persistent viremia
• Indicated for cats 8 weeks of age or older
• 2-year duration of immunity
• Administered in 2 doses, 3- to 4-weeks apart

FeLV affects nearly 4% of cats in North America and can lead to severe health issues. The new vaccine represents a significant advancement in feline healthcare.

Positive

• First and only RNA-particle technology vaccine for Feline Leukemia Virus
• Expansion of USDA-approved NOBIVAC® NXT vaccine platform
• 2-year duration of immunity, following AAFP recommendations
• Nonadjuvanted, low volume dose for improved comfort and safety
• Labeled effective against persistent viremia

Negative

• None.

Insights

Veterinary Medical Expert

The introduction of NOBIVAC NXT FeLV represents a significant advancement in feline healthcare. As the first RNA-particle technology vaccine for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), it offers several key advantages:

• Nonadjuvanted formulation, potentially reducing side effects
• Low volume dose (0.5 mL), improving patient comfort
• 2-year duration of immunity, aligning with AAFP recommendations
• Proven efficacy against persistent viremia

With 4% of North American cats affected by FeLV, this vaccine addresses a critical need in feline medicine. The RNA-particle technology may provide a more targeted immune response compared to traditional vaccines. However, it's important to note that while innovative, long-term field data on its performance compared to existing FeLV vaccines will be important for veterinarians making informed decisions about its adoption.

Market Research Analyst

Merck Animal Health's expansion of the NOBIVAC NXT platform into the feline market is a strategic move that could significantly impact their market position. Key points to consider:

• The global companion animal vaccines market is projected to grow substantially, with feline vaccines being a key segment
• Being first-to-market with RNA-particle technology for FeLV gives Merck a competitive edge
• The vaccine aligns with the trend towards "lifestyle" pet products, appealing to pet owners seeking advanced care options

This launch could potentially increase Merck's market share in the companion animal health sector, which is a growing segment of their overall business. However, the success will depend on veterinary adoption rates and the vaccine's performance in real-world settings. Investors should monitor uptake rates and any post-launch studies to gauge its long-term impact on Merck's animal health division revenues.

Innovative technology represents a breakthrough scientific achievement for one of the most common feline infectious diseases

RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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 (NYSE:MRK), announced today the expansion of the newly USDA-approved NOBIVAC^® NXT vaccine platform to include a best in class solution to protect cats against one of the most common feline infectious diseases, feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The vaccine is expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide this fall.

NOBIVAC NXT FeLV is the first and only feline leukemia virus vaccine built on Merck Animal Health’s RNA-particle technology platform and is designed to deliver optimized protection. The same technology was used for NOBIVAC NXT Rabies that launched in Canada in June 2024 and NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 that launched in the U.S. in June 2024.

“We are proud to extend our RNA-particle technology with a vaccine that protects against one of the most persistent threats to our feline patients,” said Ian Tarpey, vice president, research and development, Merck Animal Health. “Merck Animal Health and our NOBIVAC brand have a rich history in vaccine innovation, and we’re continuing to prove our dedication to ensuring there are safe and effective treatment options for veterinary professionals with the latest development of NOBIVAC NXT FeLV.”

NOBIVAC NXT FeLV 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 Nobivac NXT FeLV vaccine is labeled effective against persistent viremia and is indicated for the vaccination of cats 8 weeks of age or older against FeLV. According to the label and recommendations from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the vaccine should be administered in 2 doses, 3- to 4-weeks apart. The product’s proven 2-year duration of immunity (DOI) follows the AAFP’s recommendations for extended duration protection.

Feline leukemia virus can spread in a multitude of ways – most often through mutual grooming, fighting behavior, and shared food, water, or litter trays – and poses serious health risks. Kittens or young cats, outdoor cats and cats who are frequently exposed to other cats are all at increased risk for FeLV. When a cat is infected with FeLV, initially they often show no symptoms. However, as FeLV persists in the cat, the virus can lead to cancer, severe blood disorders and other infections associated with a compromised immune system. The good news is routine vaccination can help protect from potential illness.

“Nearly 4% of cats in North America alone are affected by this disease, a notable percentage when there have been guidelines for prevention in place for decades, and especially since the virus can lead to life-threatening diseases,” said Meg Conlon, DVM, executive director, veterinary professional services, Merck Animal Health. That’s why education and awareness of the importance of vaccinating against this disease is so important.”

For more information on Feline Leukemia Virus and options for protection, visit www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/nobivac/nobivac-nxt-felv.

About Merck Animal Health

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals^®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240924377048/en/

Laurel Mundth

laurel.mundth@merck.com

Source: Merck & Co., Inc.

FAQ

When will NOBIVAC NXT FeLV vaccine be available for MRK?

The NOBIVAC NXT FeLV vaccine is expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide in fall 2024.

What is the recommended dosage for NOBIVAC NXT FeLV vaccine (MRK)?

The NOBIVAC NXT FeLV vaccine should be administered in 2 doses, 3- to 4-weeks apart, for cats 8 weeks of age or older.

How long does the immunity from NOBIVAC NXT FeLV vaccine last for MRK?

The NOBIVAC NXT FeLV vaccine has a proven 2-year duration of immunity (DOI), following the AAFP's recommendations for extended duration protection.

What percentage of cats in North America are affected by Feline Leukemia Virus according to MRK?

According to Merck Animal Health, nearly 4% of cats in North America are affected by Feline Leukemia Virus.