Sanofi and its animal health company Merial announced the launch in the US of Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews for dogs at the annual meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association in Boston, Massachusetts. Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews use exclusive, new, dual-action technology to significantly reduce the formation of plaque, calculus and halitosis at their source.

According to studies, many dental issues in dogs may be prevented through regular veterinary and home dental care, but only 14 per cent of dogs receive dental care at a veterinary clinic, and only 2 per cent of owners brush their pets' teeth daily. Pet owners often mistakenly consider signs like halitosis, calculus, drooling and other symptoms as normal, therefore missing the early indicators of dental problems.

"As pet ownership increases around the world, so does the need for excellent care of these members of the family," said Carsten Hellmann, Merial CEO and Sanofi executive vice president. "An exciting expansion into a new product category, Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews complement Merial's focus on disease prevention, and overall health and wellness management in animals. We are launching today in the United States, but we expect to introduce the dental chew in other markets in early 2016."

Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews provide a unique, easy-to-administer option designed to help pet owners comply with veterinary recommendations for at-home maintenance of their dogs' oral hygiene. Each Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew releases delmopinol, an innovative compound originally developed for human dentistry and exclusively licensed to Merial for veterinary use. Delmopinol creates a barrier that prevents bacterial attachment to teeth, tongue and gingiva, inhibiting the production of biofilms that form plaque and the volatile sulfur compounds of halitosis. During chewing, the malleable, high-density treat also helps scrub away existing plaque and calculus.

Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews are highly palatable, and when taken daily, have shown a 53 per cent reduction in halitosis, a 42 per cent reduction in plaque and a 54 per cent reduction in calculus compared to dry diet alone. The chews, which may be given to dogs over 6 months of age, will be offered in three sizes based on a dog's weight. They will be available through veterinarians only.

Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews join Merial's extensive product portfolio dedicated to preventing and managing major pet health issues, including Heartgard Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), for the prevention of heartworm disease, Frontline Plus (fipronil + (S)-methoprene) and NexGard (afoxolaner), for flea and tick control and protection, and a large range of pets vaccines.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health and well-being of a wide range of animals.

Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs.