European Commission Grants Marketing Authorization for NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV from MSD Animal Health
July 31, 2026
Broad feline vaccine helps protect against five key infectious diseases, including feline leukemia virus, with rapid one-week onset and up to three years of immunity
Rahway, N.J., July31, 2026 – MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cats. NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV is a new combination vaccine for cats that provides active immunization against five key feline pathogens: feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV, feline rhinotracheitis virus), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleucopenia virus (FPLV), Chlamydia felis, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV is the first and only adjuvant-free, preservative-free vaccine delivered in a low-volume 0.5 mL dose for one-week rapid onset and up to three years of immunity. The NOBIVAC NXT portfolio of vaccines combine safety and efficacy, using a combination of modified live antigens and revolutionary RNA particle technology that leverages the bodyโs natural response to stimulate comprehensive immunity.
โThis vaccine is innovative not only in its mechanism but in its practical use. As a single, comprehensive product with a fast onset and long-lasting effect, NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV offers flexible revaccination intervals that allow veterinarians to tailor schedules to each patient, streamlining visits, improving compliance, and helping more cats gain sustained, risk-based protection,โ said Rรผdiger Raue, DVM, PhD, Vice President, Research and Development, MSD Animal Health.
FHV, FCV, FPLV, Chlamydia felis, and FeLV are particularly dangerous for cats because they cause a wide range of severe, often overlapping illnesses that can be acute, chronic, or recurrent. Respiratory pathogens like FHV and FCV produce painful upper respiratory and eye disease that can reduce appetite and quality of life; FPLV attacks rapidly dividing cells, causing life๏ฟผthreatening gastroenteritis and profoundly low white blood cell counts that leave cats vulnerable to lethal secondary infections; Chlamydia felis primarily causes persistent conjunctivitis that can be difficult to clear; and FeLV suppresses the immune system and can increase cancer risk, all of which can greatly shorten lifespan. Together, these infections lead to high morbidity and, in some cases, high mortalityโespecially in kittens, unvaccinated animals, and dense multicat environmentsโmaking prevention and vaccination critical to protecting feline health.
“Feline infectious diseases continue to place a significant burden on cats, their owners and veterinary practices,” said Melissa Bourgeois, DVM, PhD, DACVM, Global Technical Director, Companion Animal Vaccines, MSD Animal Health. “With the approval of NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV, veterinarians now have a single, comprehensive vaccine that protects against a broad spectrum of common and potentially serious diseases, including FeLV for up to three years. This aligns with research showing that 86% of cat owners prefer single-dose vaccines protecting against many diseases and 74% favor vaccines offering three years of protection[i].”
NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV is administered via subcutaneous injection after reconstitution of the lyophilisate with the supplied solvent, with each dose consisting of 0.5 ml.
The primary vaccination schedule consists of two doses, with the first dose given from eight weeks of age and the second dose administered three to four weeks later. A single revaccination dose up to one year after primary vaccination maintains protection against FHV, FCV and FeLV for up to three years. For FPLV, revaccination with a single dose at intervals of up to three years sustains protection, and for Chlamydia felis revaccination is recommended at intervals of up to one year.
In clinical studies, the most common adverse reactions observed with NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV have been transient injection site swellings and elevated temperature. NOBIVAC NXT HCPChFeLV should be used in healthy animals only. Vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy, and it is recommended that cats are tested for FeLV antigenemia prior to vaccination, as vaccination of FeLV positive cats is of no benefit. Vaccinated cats may excrete the vaccine strains of FHV and FCV from the respiratory tract, and the FPLV strain in faeces, for up to fourteen days after vaccination, without causing clinical signs of disease in contact cats. The vaccine can be administered on the same day, but not mixed, with NOBIVAC Rabies. There are no data on concomitant use with other veterinary medicinal products; any such use should be assessed on a case by case basis by the veterinarian.
This approval by the European Commission followsย the European Medicines Agencyโs Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) positive opinion on 16 April 2026.
About MSD Animal Health
MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health business committed to The Science of Healthier Animalsโข. For more than 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
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