Merck's Bravecto Quantum Faces Regulatory Scrutiny Over Misleading Tick Claims

Merck Animal Health is facing regulatory scrutiny over its Bravecto Quantum injectable flea and tick treatment for dogs. The company has been referred to the US Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a complaint from competitor Elanco. At issue are claims that the product offers 'year-long' protection against ticks, but only provides 12 months of protection against certain species.

The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) panel found the dosing claims to be 'inaccurate and misleading', stating they convey a full year of tick protection regardless of the species. The panel also criticized Merck's website graphics for not distinguishing between the lone star tick and other species, and for using an asterisk that was deemed 'not noticeable'.

Merk agreed to implement a clear disclosure recommendation but declined to modify or discontinue the main dosing claim. Bravecto Quantum was approved for US use last year, with earlier approvals in Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union.