EMA Backs Next-Generation Nobivac NXT Feline Vaccines, Merck gets portfolio boost

Positive regulatory opinions pave the way for broader European rollout of advanced feline vaccines targeting FeLV and multiple core pathogens.

European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) has adopted positive opinions supporting the marketing authorisation of new Nobivac NXT feline vaccines, marking another significant advance in companion-animal immunisation and RNA-based veterinary vaccine technology.

The committee recommended approval for Nobivac NXT HCPChFeLV and Nobivac NXT HCPCh, developed by Intervet International B.V., part of MSD Animal Health. The vaccines are designed to provide broad protection against several of the most common and clinically important feline infectious diseases.

The flagshipNobivac NXT HCPChFeLV vaccine protects cats against:

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

• Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)

• Feline calicivirus (FCV)

• Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)

• Chlamydia felis

The companion Nobivac NXT HCPCh formulation provides protection against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia and Chlamydia felis.

A key innovation is the inclusion of self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) technology for protection against FeLV, making Nobivac NXT HCPChFeLV the first veterinary vaccine using self-amplifying RNA to receive a positive recommendation from the EMA. The platform is designed to generate a strong immune response while avoiding the use of conventional adjuvants for the FeLV component.

Feline leukemia virus remains one of the most important infectious diseases affecting cats worldwide, causing immunosuppression, anaemia and lymphoma, while feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleukopenia are among the core pathogens targeted in routine feline vaccination programmes.

The CVMP concluded that the benefits of the vaccines outweigh their risks and forwarded its recommendations to the European Commission, which will make the final legally binding decision on EU-wide marketing authorisation.

The positive opinions reinforce the growing role of next-generation vaccine technologies in companion-animal medicine and are expected to strengthen MSD Animal Health’s position in the global feline vaccine market as demand for broader, longer-lasting and more advanced immunisation solutions continues to grow.