Compositions for treating heartworm infestation

Abstract

The present invention further relates to ivermectin, most preferably formulated as an implant for administration of pet and domestic animals. These formulations provide long term protection against Dirofilaria parasites, without the risks for secondary adverse events of conventional formulations. Preferred formulations are implants and are administered at least twice a year, once a year, or at least once in 18 months, up to 24 months.

1 . A veterinary drug composition for use in controlling heartworm disease or dirofilariosis in a non-human animal subject, wherein said composition is in the form of an implant said implant releasing ivermectin sufficient to achieve and maintain plasma concentration of ivermectin in the dog between 0.1 ng/mL and 0.15 ng/mL for at least 6 months and up to 24 months after implantation. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the animal subject is a pet. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said pet is a canine. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises an amount of ivermectin sufficient to achieve plasma concentration in the animal subject of ivermectin in an amount of about of 0.1 ng/mL. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises other ectoparasitic and/or endoparasitic agents and wherein, optionally, the ivermectin is replaced with a therapeutically effective amount of another avermectin. 
     
     
         6 . A veterinary drug composition for use in controlling  Dirofilaria immitis  and/or  Dirofilaria repens  infestation in non-human animal subject, wherein said composition is in the form of an implant, said implant releasing ivermectin sufficient to achieve and maintain plasma concentration of ivermectin in the dog between 0.1 ng/mL and 0.15 ng/mL for at least 6 months and up to 24 months after implantation. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein the animal subject is a pet. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said pet is a canine. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein said plasma concentration is about 0.1 ng/mL. 
     
     
         11 . A kit useful in the control of a parasitic infestation of heartworm in a non-human animal subject, which comprises an implant containing an effective dose of ivermectin for controlling  Dirofilaria immitis  and/or  Dirofilaria repens  infestation, at a lower plasma concentration of ivermectin of about 5% to 95% as compared to plasma ivermectin concentration obtained via conventional ivermectin formulation, and instructions for the treatment and/or prevention in said subject. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 11 , which further comprises other ectoparasitic and/or endoparasitic control agents and optionally a carrier. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein implant contains an amount of ivermectin effective to achieve and maintain a plasma ivermectin concentration of less than 0.2 ng/mL, or less to 0.15 ng/mL, or between 0.1 ng/mL to 0.15 ng/mL, or is about of 0.1 ng/mL for a period of at least 6 months, 12 months, or at least 18 months, and up to 24 months. 
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein said plasma concentration is about 0.1 ng/mL.