European Union authorizes first RNA vaccine for cats

The European Commission has authorized Nobivac NXT HCPChFeLV, the first veterinary vaccine in the European Union to utilize self-amplifying RNA technology. Produced by Intervet International, a subsidiary of MSD Animal Health, the vaccine is designed to protect cats against five different pathogens.

The vaccine employs a combination of traditional methods and new technology. While four of the targeted diseases are addressed using live attenuated strains—a long-standing technique—the component targeting feline leukemia virus (FeLV) uses self-amplifying RNA. This RNA molecule enters the cell and produces copies of itself before synthesizing the target protein, allowing for much lower doses of genetic material compared to conventional messenger RNA vaccines.

The vaccine provides protection against feline herpesvirus type 1, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, Chlamydia felis, and feline leukemia virus. The authorization follows a favorable opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) committee for veterinary medicinal products.