Elanco Introduces Cheristin™ for Cats

GREENFIELD, Ind., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Elanco recently launched Cheristin™ for Cats, a once-a-month topical solution for the prevention and treatment of flea infestations. Cheristin starts working in just 30 minutes; and in a controlled study killed 100 percent of fleas in 12 hours.¹ The product lasts for a full month, providing greater than 99 percent flea control throughout the month.

"Cheristin is ideal for cat owners who have an immediate need for flea control due to its fast speed of kill," said Dr. Steve Connell, Director of Technical, Academic and Consumer Services at Elanco Companion Animal Health. "We expect veterinarians and cat owners across the country to be pleased with the excellent efficacy of the product."

Cheristin uses the active ingredient spinetoram, which alters the function of nicotinic and GABA-gated ion channels to kill fleas. Spinetoram is a member of the spinosyn class of insecticides and a member of the Elanco family of parasiticides. The active ingredient has a lower environmental impact than many current insecticides used in agriculture because both its use rate and toxicity to non-target species are low. The introduction of spinetoram for agricultural use on a variety of fruits and tree nuts resulted in the receipt of a Presidential Green Chemistry Award in 2008.²

"In addition to being an excellent choice for cat owners, Cheristin is good for veterinary practices," said Connell. "One low-volume dose treats all sizes of cats and kittens greater than 1.8 lbs. and 8 weeks of age or older, minimizing the need for valuable shelf space in veterinary clinics. Plus, Cheristin features product tracking that helps assure the integrity and quality of the product from the veterinarian to the cat owner."

Cheristin's product tracking is designed to help keep Cheristin within the context of the veterinary/client/patient relationship. Every box and carton of Cheristin can be tracked from manufacturer to distributor to clinic. Even more, Elanco proactively purchases products found in non-veterinary channels and investigates the source of diverted products; monitors abnormal clinic purchasing activity; and constantly evaluates new ways to identify and stop diverters. More than 500 veterinarians have been permanently banned from purchasing Elanco companion animal products as a result of being caught diverting products.

"We're excited about the introduction of Cheristin and its registration by the EPA in most states," said Connell. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with veterinarians nationwide to help cats live longer, healthier, higher-quality lives."

Elanco is a global, innovation-driven company that develops and markets products to improve animal health production in more than 75 countries. Elanco Companion Animal Health enables veterinarians to help pets by delivering innovative, safe and effective products; product, technical and case management support; economic value; and support of the important bond between humans, pets and their veterinarians. For more information, go to elanco.com or visit cheristin4cats.com.

¹ Elanco study B6FUS120002
² The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Rewards Program, Summary of Award Entries and Recipients.

©2013 Elanco CHR00112

SOURCE Elanco