Introduction

Merial and pain management

Merial, world leader in animal health, is devoted to supporting and developing research into pain management.

Merial has been involved in the management of both acute and chronic pain following the development of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ketoprofen (Ketofen®) and more recently firocoxib (Previcox®) – the highest selective Cox-2 inhibitors launched in 2005 and commercialised for veterinary use; the importance of their use in novel treatment procedures and in other species are also being examined.

Previcox is celebrating its 5th birthday! This highly selective Cox-2 molecule has helped to establish new standards of fast efficacy and safety. With millions of treatments administered since 2005 Previcox has helped dogs all over the world!

Merial is also interested in the prevention and management of cancer. In the US, Merial recently launched the first melanoma vaccine for dogs (Oncept™), and has also developed a non-adjuvanted vaccine range for cats (Purevax®) for use worldwide.