FDA issues second Emergency Use Authorization for Credelio to treat New World screwworm, this time for felines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Credelio CAT (lotilaner chewable tablets) for the  treatment of New World Screwworm (NWS) in cats and kittens. This comes nearly a month after the FDA used the first-ever EUA for Credelio in dogs.  

In late August, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a Declaration of Emergency around NWS, as it “presents a significant potential for a public health emergency,” according to a release from the FDA.  

The release goes on to add that most cats in the U.S are at low risk for NWS, but cats that may have traveled to counties with NWS, or outdoor cats near the U.S.-Mexico border have a higher chance of being exposed. Officials also added that the benefits of avoiding NWS infestation outweigh the known potential risks associated with the use of  Credelio  in cats.  

When the FDA announced the first EUA for Credelio for dogs and puppies, they hinted that more EUAs, such as this one, could be coming down the line 

Lotilaner, which is the active ingredient in Credelio, belongs to the isoxazoline drug class of antiparasitic, which the FDA points out has been associated with adverse neurologic reactions, including seizures. Credelio is sponsored by Elanco US Inc., and was originally approved for flea and tick treatment in dogs and puppies in 2018.    

In 2019, the FDA approved Credelio CAT for flea and tick use. You can view the fact sheet from the FDA about Credelio CAT here.  

Photo Credit: Ramdan Fatoni via Getty Images

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