FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Generic Over-the-Counter Drug to Treat Screwworm in Dogs and Cats [View all]

Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Generic Over-the-Counter Drug to Treat New World Screwworm in Dogs and Cats

Most dogs and cats in the U.S. are at low risk of NWS; risk is elevated for pets recently in areas with confirmed cases of NWS

For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2026

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for generic Nitenpyram Tablets (nitenpyram) for the treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that weigh at least two pounds and are at least four weeks old. This is the first generic animal drug authorized for use against NWS.

“The U.S. government is moving aggressively to contain and eliminate New World screwworm,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Today’s authorization is the latest HHS action to strengthen our response. It puts an affordable, fast-acting treatment in the hands of pet owners, strengthens our containment strategy, and helps stop this destructive parasite from spreading further in the United States.”

The FDA has concluded that based on the totality of the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Nitenpyram Tablets may be effective in the treatment of NWS myiasis in certain dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens, and the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks.

“The FDA has spent nearly a year fast-tracking reviews and readying for the arrival of New World screwworm in the U.S.,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas. “As of today, under the Trump administration’s decisive leadership, the FDA has issued ten EUAs and three conditional approvals for drugs to combat this threat, and this count will continue to grow as we receive more animal drug submissions and unleash American regulatory speed.”

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Read more: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-emergency-use-authorization-generic-over-counter-drug-treat-new-world-screwworm-dogs-and