Bayer to release next generation of flea and tick control products

Shawnee Mission, Kan.

— Bayer Animal Health readies for a March release of Advantage® II for cats and dogs, and K9 Advantix® II for dogs.The company reports these products will combine adulticidal properties of the original formulations with the insect growth regulator (IGR) pyriproxyfen, which inhibits the development of flea eggs and kills flea larvae.

The products reportedly will kill all flea life stages and prevent fleas on a treated dog from infesting the home.Pyriproxyfen interferes with the hormone signaling of growing insects so that fleas in immature stages are unable to mature, Bayer says in a prepared statement. The hormone pathway that pyriproxyfen targets is specific to insects and does not affect mammals.

“Adding pyriproxyfen to the original formulations of Advantage® Topical Solution and K9 Advantix® gives an added layer of protection to our customers’ pets and their pets’ surroundings. It interrupts the flea life cycle at multiple stages, and prevents reinfestation,” says Peter Ryan, vice president amd head of the company’s Companion Animal Business Unit.

The products have adulticidal, larvicidal and ovicidal properties, killing adult fleas and preventing the emergence of new ones, the company adds.