A Calgary-based company, Solvet, has gained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its equine ivermectin product in the United States to combat screwworm. Solvet’s ivermectin liquid for horses received emergency use authorization in July. Unlike traditional paste formulations, Solvet’s aqueous-based solution is more concentrated and easier to administer, according to Lionel Gibbs, the company’s CEO. Established in 2009 by two former University of Calgary professors, Solvet has evolved into one of Canada’s leading veterinary pharmaceutical firms.
Ivermectin, a well-known anti-parasitic drug, is commonly used to combat various parasites, including screwworm, a type of fly indigenous to certain regions of North America. Female screwworm flies lay eggs on open wounds of mammals like horses, cattle, and occasionally humans. The hatched larvae burrow into the host, causing severe pain, infections, and potential fatality.
Screwworm infestations previously led to significant financial losses for ranchers in the U.S. and Mexico until successful eradication efforts using the sterile insect technique. This method involves mass production and release of sterilized male flies to disrupt the breeding cycle of screwworm flies. Despite eradication in North America until the mid-2000s, screwworm has reemerged in Central America, Mexico, and the southern U.S., causing concern among officials.
In response to the screwworm resurgence, Solvet’s ivermectin liquid has been authorized by the FDA for short-term prevention of screwworm in horses within 24 hours of birth or at the time of initial wound care. The authorization aims to protect animals, especially in regions like Texas where screwworm is prevalent. John Gilleard, a veterinarian and parasitologist, emphasized the importance of using ivermectin judiciously to avoid resistance development in parasites and minimize environmental impacts.
While Canada currently faces low risk of screwworm infestation due to its climate, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to monitor the situation closely. Gibbs highlighted the opportunity for Solvet and Alberta to expand internationally, particularly in the U.S., by providing essential solutions during emergencies like the screwworm outbreak. This move could not only benefit the company but also contribute to the economy and support further research in Alberta.