Press Releases
VIRBAC INTRODUCES NOVIFIT® TO NUTRACEUTICAL LINE
Novifit helps support cognitive function in aging dogs and cats.
Corrected: Novifit is patented in France; in the United States, the patent is pending. 07/30/2008
FORT WORTH, Texas (June 16, 2008) – Virbac Animal Health (Virbac) today announced a new veterinary product in the company’s line of nutraceuticals. The clinically proven and patent pending Novifit® NoviSAMe™ (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine-Tosylate Disulfate) has been developed to address brain aging in dogs and cats.
“Advances in medicine and surgery are primary factors in an increased life expectancy for pets,” said Michael Mockler, product manager. “However, as dogs and cats age, their levels of activity and awareness can decline. Veterinarians hear more reports of behavioral issues from pet owners that range from troubling to bothersome, such as depression, housesoiling and disrupted sleep/wake cycles.” All of these can drastically affect the pet/owner bond.
SAMe, (S-adenosyl methionine), is a well-documented endogenous compound essential to sustaining processes of intermediary metabolism that are most affected by aging: cell membrane protection, antioxidant activity, neurotransmitter turn-over and tissue regeneration. Based on SAMe’s mechanism of action and established applications in human and animal neurology, oral supplementation offers new hope for the management of declining mental functions in senior dogs and cats.
Virbac has developed a biologically available, stable and active form of SAMe called NoviSAMe and presents it in an enteric-coated tablet for use in dogs and cats. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on this new presentation and revealed its effectiveness at reducing signs associated with cognitive decline in dogs. Results will be published later this summer in Veterinary Therapeutics. In addition, a report on a recent experts’ roundtable is to be published in the July 2008 issue of Veterinary Medicine which discusses the panel’s views on geriatric veterinary medicine and the role of Novifit in behavioral management in a clinical setting.
Novifit is a pure and stable form of SAMe (NoviSAMe) presented in an enteric-coated tablet. There are no known side effects or drug interactions associated with its use. It is packaged in quantities of 30 tablets and prescribed by weight for small dogs and cats (Novifit S – 0 lbs.-22 lbs.), medium dogs (Novifit M – 22 lbs.-44 lbs.) and large dogs (Novifit L – 44 lbs.-88 lbs.).
“Novifit brings a new dimension to the veterinary treatment of brain aging,” Mockler said. “It can help make the later years of dogs and cats more enjoyable for both pet and owner. With Novifit, alertness and vitality are increased; relationships with owners improve; the sleep cycle is regulated; housesoiling is reduced; and the consequences of aging are delayed.”
About Virbac
Virbac Animal Health, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, markets leading veterinary products under the brand names of Soloxine®, C.E.T.® Home Dental Care, the Allerderm® line of dermatology products, IVERHART MAX® and IVERHART PLUS® and Preventic®. For more information on Virbac and the company’s products, please visit www.virbacvet.com.
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