Dechra is preparing for the U.S. launch of DuOtic, an antibiotic-free gel formulated to treat canine otitis externa associated with susceptible yeast strains such as Malassezia pachydermatis. Two- and 20-count packages of DuOtic will be available for veterinary purchase starting this spring, a company spokesperson said.
Although an estimated 40% of canine otitis externa cases are caused by yeast only, traditional otitis treatments contain an antibiotic and an antifungal, according to Dechra.
“[DuOtic] equips veterinarians with a dedicated solution for yeast-driven otitis externa that is aligned with our antimicrobial stewardship goals,” said Laura Olsen, Dechra’s North American president.
Antimicrobial resistance is an ongoing issue in human and veterinary medicine, with more than 35,000 human deaths attributed to resistant infections each year in the United States. According to Dechra, several species of bacteria identified by the American Veterinary Medical Association as having a high risk for antimicrobial resistance are common canine otitis externa pathogens.
A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-masked, multicenter field study demonstrated DuOtic’s effectiveness, with 62.3% of dogs that received it showing clinical improvement compared with 17.8% of placebo-using dogs.
The product (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) provides premeasured dosing through a flexible-tip applicator. DuOtic is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary technician in two doses spaced seven days apart.
The treatment provides up to 45 days of coverage for yeast-only otitis externa.
DuOtic should not be used in cats or in dogs with known tympanic membrane perforation.