Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to your questions about PUREVAX^® Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine.

Q: What is the technology behind PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine?

A:

As global leader in recombinant technology applied to animal vaccinology, Merial brings the advanced science of recombinant vaccines to the fight against feline leukemia. PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine is made by inserting the highly specific genetic material of FeLV that codes only for the proteins that stimulate immunity to feline leukemia into a canarypox vector virus to provide strong, rapid immunity. This vectored recombinant technology stimulates both humoral and cell-mediated immunity as a modified live vaccine would, but with the safety profile of a non-adjuvanted killed vaccine.1,2

Q: What are the benefits of a recombinant FeLV vaccine compared to traditional vaccines?

A:

The exceptional technology that goes into developing PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine makes it an excellent choice for several reasons: 1. Excellent, comprehensive immunity — Canarypox vector technology mimics natural infection, taking advantage of the cat’s entire immune system and prompting both a humoral and cellular response.3 2. Targeted protection — PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine uses only the FeLV genetic material needed to stimulate the cat’s immune response to the virus, and eliminates the use of whole FeLV virus and extraneous proteins that may be associated with adverse reactions. 3. Non-adjuvanted — PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine is made without the use of adjuvants, which have been associated with injection-site reactions and chronic inflammation in cats.2

Q: Is the vector virus safe?

A:	Yes. The canarypox virus is nonpathogenic to mammals and does not replicate in mammalian species.2,4 It has been used successfully by Merial in vaccines for dogs, cats, ferrets and horses.

Q: Why should I switch to PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine?

A:

Since PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine is created without the use of adjuvants, you can protect your feline patients from a very serious disease without concern for the potential risks associated with adjuvanted vaccines.5 What’s more, only PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine is administered using the VET JET™ transdermal vaccination system, for convenient, rapid, low-dose vaccination.

Q: How well does PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine protect against challenge by a natural route of
     administration?

A:	In a head-to-head study with PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine and a leading killed leukemia virus vaccine, all vaccinated cats were protected from persistent FeLV infection in a challenge that infected 90% of the nonvaccinated controls.6

Q. What is the vaccination schedule for cats protected with PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine?

A:	Patients receive one 0.25 mL dose at nine weeks of age, another three weeks later, and annually thereafter.

Q. How can I learn more about PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine and the VET JET transdermal
    vaccination system?

A:	By contacting your Merial sales representative, or calling 1-888-MERIAL-1 (1-888-637-4251).

^{1Greene CE. Immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. Philadelphia:WB Saunders Co, 1998:721.
2Poulet H, Brunet S, et al. Efficacy of a canarypox virus-vectored vaccine against feline leukemia. The Veterinary Record. 2003;141-145.
3Data on file at Merial.
4Plotkin SA, Cadoz M, et al. The Safety and Use of Canarypox Vectored Vaccines. Del Bio Stand. 1995;165-170.
5Macy DW. The Potential Role and Mechanisms of FeLV Vaccine-Induced Neoplasms. Seminars in Vet Medicine and Surgery (Small Animal) 1995;10(4):234-237.
6Grosenbaugh DA, Leard T, Pardo MC, Motes-Kreismeyer L, Royston M. Comparison of the safety and efficacy of a recombinant feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine delivered transdermally and an inactivated FeLV vaccine delivered subcutaneously. Vet Therapeutics 2004;258-262.}