Bravecto Quantum becomes first FDA approved drug to protect dogs against fleas and ticks for 8 to 12 months.
Merck Animal Hospital, also known as MSD Animal Health outside the U.S. and Canada, announced FDA approved Bravecto Quantum, a new annual injection treatment for dogs’ protection against fleas and ticks.
“We take great pride in our company’s leadership in long-acting preventative parasiticides and are excited to offer a convenient option that gives dogs year-round1 comprehensive protection from fleas and ticks in one easy injection they can receive from their veterinarian,” said Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health. “The approval of Bravecto Quantum sets a new standard in pet care by providing veterinarians and pet parents with a safe and effective option when it comes to flea and tick protection for dogs.”1
FDA’s approval of Bravecto Quantum marks 50 countries in which the treatment has received approval, with expectations of more to follow.
Bravecto Quantum was originally approved back in 2023 in New Zealand and Australia, then shortly after in the European Union in 2024, and finally FDA approved it in the US in 2025.
The Bravecto Quantum injection directly attacks and kills adult fleas while actively fighting to prevent flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis). The treatment provides control over tick infestations, such as Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) for 12 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. The injection can also treat and control Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) infestations for 8 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older.
“Though people often think of flea and tick season during the summer months, studies have shown that while fleas and ticks are most active from early spring through the fall, they can be a threat year-round, especially knowing it only takes a few warm days for ticks to become active,” said Frank Guerino, Ph.D., associate vice president of Global Pharmaceutical Development, Merck Animal Health. “With Bravecto Quantum, a single dose provides year-long, continuous protection, simplifying care for both pet owners and veterinarians, and promoting compliance.”1
The treatment is the first and only one of its kind, as Bravecto Quantum offers 12 months of flea and tick prevention from just a single dose.
Fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto Quantum, belongs to a class of antiparasitic drugs called isoxazolines. Several products containing isoxazolines are approved for the treatment and control of fleas and certain ticks in dogs and cats. These products generally protect against fleas and ticks for 1 month. Although isoxazoline products are commonly used and safe for most dogs and cats, the products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian to determine whether a product in the isoxazoline class is appropriate for their pet.2
As of now Bravecto Quantum can only be administered by licensed veterinarians due to professional requirements for administering the injection, additional monitorization post injection, and professional advice for pet owners based on dog breed and accurate treatment intervals.
Bravecto Quantum is available in a plethora of formulations which includes treatments for both cats and dogs.
