European Commission Approves NUMELVI™ (atinvicitinib) Tablets for Dogs
NUMELVI from MSD Animal Health is the First and Only Second-Generation Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor for the Treatment of Pruritus Associated with Allergic Dermatitis Including Atopic Dermatitis and Treatment of Clinical Manifestations of Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
RAHWAY, N.J., July 24, 2025 – MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved NUMELVI™ (atinvicitinib) Tablets for Dogs.
NUMELVI is a once-daily, first-line treatment, and is the only second-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis including atopic dermatitis and treatment of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs. With a once-daily treatment regimen, NUMELVI is clinically effective after the first dose.
NUMELVI inhibits the effect of JAK1-dependent cytokines involved in itch and inflammation in allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis and is at least 10-fold more selective for JAK1 than for JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2. JAK1 selectivity minimizes interference with the beneficial immune functions of the other JAKs, resulting in a compelling safety profile with proven efficacy in dogs and puppies. It is the only JAK inhibitor approved for use in dogs as young as six months of age. NUMELVI also allows for an adequate serological response to vaccination and has no known drug interactions.
“Pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis is a common condition that causes distress and discomfort for so many dogs,” said Holger Lehmann, DVM, PhD, vice president and global head, research and development for pharmaceuticals, MSD Animal Health. “With today’s authorization of NUMELVI, MSD Animal Health is proud to offer veterinarians and pet owners an innovative next generation JAK inhibitor that delivers clinical benefits over current standard of care.”
This approval by the European Commission follows the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) positive opinion June 12, 2025.
About MSD Animal Health
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of MSD. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. MSD Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. MSD Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
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