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

RAHWAY, N.J., September 24, 2024 – 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. 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).

Media Contact:

Kathleen Cuddy
(816) 301-8253
kathleen.cuddy@merck.com