FDA Approves BRAVECTO® QUANTUM from Merck Animal Health to Treat and Control Asian Longhorned Tick and Gulf Coast Tick in Dogs
20 March 2026, Rahway: Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK), today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an expanded label for BRAVECTO® QUANTUM (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) in dogs. The updated indication adds treatment and control of Asian longhorned tick (H. longicornis) and Gulf Coast tick (A. maculatum) for 12 months, when administered as a single, veterinarian‑delivered injection.
BRAVECTO QUANTUM was approved in the U.S. on July 10, 2025, and continues to be indicated to kill adult fleas, for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and for the treatment and control of Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestations for 12 months and A. americanum infestations for 8 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older.
“For more than a decade, BRAVECTO has set the benchmark for extended‑duration flea and tick protection, and today’s label expansion reinforces our leadership in parasiticide innovation,” said Meg Conlon, DVM, executive director, U.S. Companion Animal Veterinary Services, Merck Animal Health. “With BRAVECTO QUANTUM, Merck Animal Health continues to deliver the longest‑lasting protection available in a single dose – now covering an even broader range of clinically important tick species. This advancement reflects our unwavering commitment to help veterinarians protect dogs with the most comprehensive, convenient, and science‑driven solutions on the market.”
Key Information:
What’s new: BRAVECTO QUANTUM is now approved to provide 12 months of treatment and control for two additional tick species – Asian longhorned tick (H. longicornis) and Gulf Coast tick (A. maculatum) – following a single injection administered by a veterinarian. This approval expands the product’s already robust label, reinforcing BRAVECTO’s position as the longest‑lasting flea and tick protection available for dogs in the United States.
Complete Parasite Protection Profile: BRAVECTO QUANTUM is indicated to kill adult fleas and for treatment and prevention of flea infestations. BRAVECTO QUANTUM also provides 12 months of protection against Asian longhorned ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, black‑legged ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks, along with 8 months of protection against lone star ticks following a single veterinarian administered‑injection.
Why this matters: The extended‑release injectable formulation offers veterinarians and pet owners a simple, once‑yearly approach that supports improved compliance and consistent, uninterrupted protection. This label update helps veterinarians address the evolving parasite landscape, as both Asian longhorned and Gulf Coast ticks continue to expand geographically and present risks to canine health.
Where it’s available: BRAVECTO QUANTUM remains available exclusively through licensed veterinarians, ensuring appropriate in‑clinic administration, guidance, and support.
The expanded indication underscores Merck Animal Health’s continued leadership in delivering innovative, extended‑duration parasite protection solutions. With BRAVECTO QUANTUM, veterinarians have an unmatched, once‑yearly option that now defends dogs against an even broader range of ticks – supporting year‑round protection and helping meet the evolving needs of pets and the people who care for them. For more information, visit us.bravecto.com or follow BRAVECTO on Instagram @bravecto.us.
FAQ:
What changed with today’s approval?
The BRAVECTO QUANTUM label now includes treatment and control of H. longicornis (Asian longhorned tick) and A. maculatum (Gulf Coast tick) for 12 months following a single injection administered by a veterinarian, in addition to existing indications (fleas and other listed tick species) and the 8‑month indication for A. americanum (lone star tick).
Why focus on Asian longhorned and Gulf Coast ticks?
These ticks are clinically relevant and expanding in geographic range. Adding them strengthens year‑round, single‑dose tick control options for more dogs across more U.S. regions.
How is BRAVECTO QUANTUM administered?
BRAVECTO QUANTUM is administered via a single subcutaneous injection delivered by a licensed veterinarian.
Is this the same BRAVECTO formulation that was introduced in 2025?
Yes. BRAVECTO QUANTUM remains the once‑yearly fluralaner extended‑release injectable. Today’s update expands the label’s tick species coverage.
Is BRAVECTO QUANTUM safe?
BRAVECTO QUANTUM has undergone extensive safety testing. In fact, safety was demonstrated when dosed at 5 times the recommended dose every 4 months for a total of 6 doses. In a U.S. field study with client owned dogs, 0.9% (2 out of 225 dogs) experienced seizures. This rate is consistent with estimates reported in the general dog population. BRAVECTO QUANTUM (fluralaner) is a member of the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
Where can veterinarians find full prescribing information?
Please see the Prescribing Information (PI) here and consult Merck Animal Health for training and ordering support.
Can cats receive BRAVECTO QUANTUM?
No. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is approved only for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older and must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. It is not approved for use in cats. For cats, Merck Animal Health offers BRAVECTO® Plus, a topical formulation that provides broad‑spectrum, extended‑duration protection against fleas, ticks, and internal parasites.
Also Read: India Issues Draft Rules for Amendment to Its Insecticides Rules, 1971
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