Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) for dogs. This new medication is a broad-spectrum oral parasiticide, protecting against six common parasites. The company anticipates launching the drug in the first quarter of 2025.
Comprehensive Parasite Protection
Credelio Quattro is designed as a single, monthly chewable tablet suitable for dogs eight weeks of age and older. It targets flea and tick infestations, roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm infections. It also prevents flea infestations and heartworm disease. The drug contains four active ingredients: lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel.
Jeff Simmons, President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, emphasized the importance of this approval, stating, "We're bringing veterinarians and pet owners the broadest parasite protection by covering six types of parasites in a monthly chewable tablet."
Key Features and Benefits
Credelio Quattro demonstrates rapid efficacy. It starts killing ticks and fleas within 4 hours and achieves over 99% flea kill within 8 hours of administration, maintaining effectiveness for a month. Laboratory studies showed 100% protection against heartworm disease from the first monthly dose. The formulation is gentle enough for puppies as small as 3.3 pounds and as young as 8 weeks, and it comes in a beef-flavored chewable tablet.
Addressing Zoonotic Disease Risks
Dr. David Gosche, veterinarian and U.S. Pet Health Medical Director at Elanco, highlighted the zoonotic potential of parasites, noting that pets can easily bring parasites into homes. He recommends year-round treatment with broad-spectrum parasite protection like Credelio Quattro to mitigate these risks.
Safety Information
Lotilaner, an ingredient in Credelio Quattro, is part of the isoxazoline class and has been linked to neurologic adverse reactions such as tremors, ataxia, and seizures, even in dogs without prior seizure history. Caution is advised in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Testing for existing heartworm infections is necessary before administration, as Credelio Quattro is ineffective against adult D. immitis. The safety of the drug in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea.
