Solvet, a company based in Calgary, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute its equine ivermectin solution in the United States to combat screwworm. This liquid form of ivermectin, unlike the traditional paste, is more concentrated and easier to administer, according to Lionel Gibbs, the CEO of Solvet. Established in 2009 by two former University of Calgary professors, Solvet has evolved into one of Canada’s leading veterinary pharmaceutical firms.
Ivermectin, a widely known anti-parasitic drug, is commonly utilized to combat various parasites, including screwworm, a type of fly indigenous to certain regions of North America. Female screwworm flies lay eggs on the wounds of mammals, such as horses, cattle, and occasionally humans. The hatched larvae penetrate the host, causing tissue damage, infections, and potentially death.
The eradication of screwworm in North America was successfully achieved through the sterile insect technique, initiated in the 1960s. By releasing sterilized male flies into the environment, subsequent generations of flies were eliminated. However, the return of screwworm in Central America in 2024, followed by its spread to Mexico and the southern United States, has raised concerns.
In response to the screwworm resurgence, Solvet’s ivermectin liquid has been granted emergency authorization by the FDA for short-term prevention in horses. This authorization restricts the product’s use to specific situations, such as administering it within 24 hours of birth or during initial wound care.
John Gilleard, a veterinarian and parasitologist at the University of Calgary, acknowledges the potential risks posed by screwworm to animals in affected states like Texas. While the authorization aims to protect animals from harm, Gilleard emphasizes the importance of judicious use to prevent resistance in parasites and minimize environmental impacts.
Although Canada currently faces a low risk of screwworm infestation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with U.S. authorities. This development has presented Solvet with an opportunity to expand its operations internationally, particularly in the United States, potentially benefiting Alberta’s economy and research initiatives.
