MSD Animal Health to Resume Official Bravecto Supplies to Russia in 2026

MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the U.S. and Canada) is preparing to relaunch official distribution of its blockbuster flea and tick treatment, Bravecto, in the Russian market. The company’s Russian subsidiary, Intervet LLC, confirmed that the antiparasitic drug is expected to return to shelves in the first half of 2026.

The move follows a successful GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) audit of the company’s manufacturing site in Austria. In December 2025, the Intervet GesmbH facility received official certification of compliance with Russian regulatory standards for the production of fluralaner-based products, according to the state register.

Combating the «Black Market»

Official supplies of Bravecto were halted in 2023, creating a vacuum that was quickly filled by unauthorized channels. Industry experts note that while the drug remained available via online marketplaces, much of it consisted of «black market» stock—products intended for other regions, such as Turkey, and sold without proper oversight.

Kirill Dmitriev, President of the National Pet Industry Association (NPIA), highlighted the scale of the issue during a recent Moscow Chamber of Commerce meeting.

«We are seeing licensed sellers moving contraband from Turkey on major marketplaces. This isn’t even a ‘gray’ market; it’s a ‘black’ one,» Dmitriev stated. He estimated that illegal sales of the drug reached approximately ₽3 billion in 2025—a market share that Russian manufacturers are also keen to capture.

Market Dynamics and Competition

The decision to return comes as Russia’s veterinary market continues to expand. According to RNC Pharma, the retail sector grew to ₽249.3 billion in 2024, with the ectoparasiticide segment alone accounting for ₽40.7 billion.

Despite the lack of official distribution, Bravecto remained the second-best-selling brand in its category by revenue in 2024, bringing in ₽1.90 billion (an 18% decline from 2023). By 2025, Bravecto and Zoetis’s Simparica continued to dominate the premium segment.

Why Now?

Analysts suggest that MSD’s return is strategically timed to protect its brand integrity and market share. The threat of compulsory licensing—a mechanism that would allow local manufacturers to produce generic versions of patented drugs without the holder’s consent—has been a growing topic of discussion among Russian regulators and industry bodies. By restoring official channels, MSD aims to stabilize its presence and ensure product safety for consumers.

Source: vetandlife.ru