A Calgary-based company, Solvet, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute its equine ivermectin product in the United States to combat screwworm. The liquid ivermectin, different from the typical paste form, is highly concentrated and easier to administer, according to Lionel Gibbs, the CEO of Solvet. Founded in 2009 by two former professors from the University of Calgary, Solvet has grown into one of the largest veterinary pharmaceutical companies in Canada.
Ivermectin, a well-known anti-parasitic drug, is commonly used to combat various parasites, including screwworm, a type of fly native to certain regions in North America. Female screwworm flies lay eggs on open wounds of mammals, such as horses and cattle, leading to larvae that burrow into the host, causing tissue damage, infections, and potentially death.
The successful eradication of screwworm in North America was achieved through the sterile insect technique, which involved the mass production and release of sterilized male flies to prevent the reproduction of subsequent generations of flies. However, the return of screwworm in recent years has raised concerns and prompted actions to control its spread.
Following the discovery of screwworm larvae in Texas, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) imposed a temporary ban on animal imports from the state. In response to this resurgence, Solvet’s ivermectin liquid was granted emergency use authorization by the FDA specifically for combating screwworm in horses.
The authorization allows for the short-term prevention of screwworm in horses by administering the product within 24 hours of birth or during initial wound care. While the focus is on protecting animals at risk, veterinarians are advised to use the product judiciously to avoid resistance in parasites and minimize environmental impacts.
Despite the low risk of screwworm in Canada due to its climate, the CFIA continues to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with U.S. authorities to adjust measures as needed. For Solvet, this opportunity not only emphasizes animal welfare but also opens doors for expanding its market presence, particularly in the United States, offering potential economic benefits and research opportunities for Alberta.
