Merck Animal Health Unveils New Oral Therapy for Dogs to Alleviate Itching
Published: 11 Mar 2026
Author: Precedence Research
The FDA has approved the use of NUMELVI(atinvicitinib tablets), the new oral medication from Merck Animal Healthcare for the treatment of allergic dermatitis in dogs. NUMELVI is the first second-generation Janus Kinase(JAK) inhibitor to prevent itching in dogs that are six months or older. Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common conditions that afflict dogs. It causes severe itching, discomfort and restless behavior. NUMELVI targets the enzymes that cause the inflammation and itching. It provides fast and effective relief for dogs, making them feel comfortable.
How does NUMELVI Help the Skin Heal
NUMELVI works by inhibiting the activity of certain JAK1 enzymes that cause inflammation. Excessive scratching and licking of the skin often cause secondary wounds, hot spots and infections. This tablet helps ease the itching, which prevents the occurrence of secondary infections. The medication is administered orally once daily, and the tablets come in weight-based doses. This mechanism of action is also useful in the sense that there is more effective symptom control with fewer side effects as compared to previous JAK inhibitors. This will make it easier for pet owners to administer the medication properly, which is essential in the management of skin allergies in dogs, helping to prevent skin trauma from scratching.
The global animal wound care market size was calculated at USD 1.50 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 1.61 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 3.09 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.50% from 2026 to 2035 as the demand grows for advanced veterinary treatments, such as itch prevention, skin healing and secondary wound prevention for dogs and other animals.
Availability and Clinical Impact
NUMELVI is now available in the U.S in veterinary clinics and is expected to reach other markets soon. This is a effective treatment option for veterinarians, offering a new medicine for the management of allergic dermatitis. In conclusion, the introduction of NUMELVI is a major breakthrough in the treatment of skin conditions in dogs. These tablets offer the advantage of significantly reducing itching while also minimizing the side effects associated with it.
A recent report by Precedence Research highlights that the animal wound care market is benefiting from an increase in pet ownership, the growing veterinary awareness, adoption of advanced therapies such as NUMELVI, the growing demand for preventive care, and increasing animal health infrastructure.