Solvet, a company based in Calgary, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its equine ivermectin product in the United States to combat screwworm. The liquid ivermectin, developed by Solvet, was granted emergency use authorization in July. According to Lionel Gibbs, the CEO of Solvet, this solution is unique as it is aqueous-based, concentrated, and easier to administer compared to traditional paste forms.
Established in 2009 by two former professors from the University of Calgary, Solvet has evolved into one of the leading veterinary pharmaceutical companies in Canada. Ivermectin, a well-known anti-parasitic drug, is widely used to combat various parasites, including screwworm, a type of fly native to North America that infests mammals like horses, cattle, and occasionally humans.
Female screwworm flies lay eggs on open wounds of hosts, leading to severe pain, infections, and potential fatality. In the past, screwworm infestations caused significant financial losses to ranchers in the U.S. and Mexico until the successful eradication using sterile insect technique.
After a resurgence of screwworm in 2024, starting from Central America and moving north to the U.S., stringent measures were implemented, including halting imports from affected areas and restarting the production of sterile male flies. Solvet’s ivermectin liquid received emergency authorization in the U.S. specifically for screwworm treatment, highlighting the importance of swift action to safeguard animal welfare in at-risk regions like Texas.
Veterinarian John Gilleard from the University of Calgary emphasized the crucial role of ivermectin in preventing severe tissue damage in animals at risk of screwworm infestation. While the immediate focus is on animal protection rather than outbreak control, careful assessment by veterinarians is necessary to avoid resistance development and environmental impacts.
Despite the low risk of screwworm in Canada due to climatic conditions, authorities remain vigilant and collaborate with U.S. counterparts to monitor and adapt to evolving situations. Solvet sees this as an opportunity to enhance animal welfare and expand its market reach, potentially bringing economic benefits to Alberta through international ventures and research funding.
