AU Researcher Clears Way For New Heartworm Preventative

An Auburn University parasitologist has successfully tested a new six-month heartworm preventative for dogs, it was announced Thursday, June 14, by the university and Fort Dodge Animal Health.

Dr. Byron Blagburn of AU's College of Veterinary Medicine performed a series of tests during the past five years on Fort Dodge Animal Health's ProHeart 6, a medication that provides six months protection against heartworms — a fatal parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. The new product was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week.

 "It's an injectable medicine that is administered by a veterinarian," said Blagburn. "It is very effective and safe, and it should provide some advantages in that dog owners won't have to give monthly or daily oral medication, which can be difficult if their dog doesn't like to swallow tablets."Since it lasts six months, it will be effective for the entire heartworm season in some parts of the country."

Fort Dodge officials say that current heartworm products on the market are only effective if they are given monthly or daily.

"Dog owners often forget to administer their dog's monthly heartworm preventative as recommended, and this lack of compliance is a concern, since it (heartworm infestation) is an entirely preventable disease," said David Rock, Fort Dodge Animal Health's director of animal health research new product development.

"Missed doses clearly compromise their effectiveness, and that is why we are excited about ProHeart 6, because it will protect dogs for six months without the owner having to administer the medication."

In addition to Fort Dodge's ProHeart 6, Blagburn has been involved in nearly every international development in the parasite-control market since the mid 1980s, including research on products such as Pfizer Animal Health's Revolution, Novartis' Program and Sentinel, Bayer's Advantage and Merial's Frontline.

In April he was named the 2001 recipient of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologist's Distinguished Veterinary Parasitologist Award, the highest honor bestowed by this international scientific society.

"Our goal is to keep the industry moving forward with new products," said Blagburn, who is the ninth Distinguished University Professor in AU history. "It's not our responsibility to recommend individual products, except in case-specific situations. Our role is to provide new and different options to pet owners, who have differing needs."

Founded in 1912 and acquired by American Home Products in 1945, Fort Dodge Animal Health — based in Fort Dodge, Kan. — has evolved from a one-person operation producing anti-hog-cholera serum into a leading manufacturer and distributor of prescription and over-the-counter animal health care products for the livestock and companion animal industries.

The company serves the United States and international markets, distributing products in more than 100 countries. It is the No. 1 veterinary biological (vaccine) manufacturer in the world and ranks second in veterinary vaccine sales in North America.