Elanco Animal Health Incorporated today announced U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral), an innovative oral vaccine designed to help protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the primary pathogens associated with canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), commonly known as “kennel cough.” This latest approval marks a significant advancement in Elanco’s TruCan™ vaccine portfolio and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to improving both disease protection and the overall vaccination experience for dogs and veterinary teams.
TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) builds upon the legacy of TruCan™ B Oral, the first oral Bordetella vaccine to reach the market. As a line extension, TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) delivers the same proven level of protection in a reduced ½ mL dose volume—half the volume of its predecessor. This lower-volume formulation is designed to enhance patient comfort while maintaining robust immune protection, helping veterinarians deliver effective care with less stress for canine patients.
The vaccine is manufactured using Elanco’s advanced PureFil™ Technology, a proprietary purification process developed to remove unwanted proteins and cellular debris during vaccine production. By increasing antigen purity, PureFil™ Technology is designed to help reduce the risk of adverse reactions commonly associated with residual impurities, while also supporting a more comfortable vaccination experience. TruCan™ vaccines reflect Elanco’s focus on pairing scientific innovation with practical, real-world benefits in the clinic.
Bordetella bronchiseptica remains one of the leading contributors to CIRDC, a highly contagious respiratory condition that can spread rapidly among dogs in environments such as boarding facilities, grooming salons, training centers, shelters, and veterinary clinics. Dogs exposed to Bordetella may experience coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, and other respiratory signs that can disrupt daily life and, in some cases, lead to secondary infections. Effective prevention through vaccination remains a cornerstone of respiratory disease management in dogs.
Research indicates that expectations around the pet vaccination experience are evolving. In recent studies, 99% of pet owners reported that it is important for their veterinarian to use highly purified, lower-volume vaccines that are designed to provide a more comfortable experience for their pets. TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) was developed with these expectations in mind, offering a practical, effective, and low-stress vaccination option that aligns with both pet owner preferences and veterinary best practices.
The safety and efficacy of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) were demonstrated through extensive testing. In a field safety study, the vaccine was evaluated in client-owned dogs ranging in age from as young as four weeks to as old as 15 years, representing a broad cross-section of breeds and life stages. The study confirmed that the vaccine was well tolerated across this diverse population. Additionally, in a controlled challenge study, TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) achieved a 93% preventable fraction, demonstrating significant protection against coughing associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection.
“We are committed to improving the in-clinic vaccination experience for pets,” said Bobby Modi, Executive Vice President, U.S. Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation at Elanco. “USDA approval of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) strengthens our respiratory vaccine portfolio and demonstrates how Elanco continues to go beyond by developing innovative solutions that support better experiences for dogs, pet owners, and the veterinary teams who care for them.”
This approval represents the second recent expansion of Elanco’s Tru™ vaccine line. In July 2025, TruCan™ Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 also received USDA approval, further enhancing Elanco’s respiratory disease prevention offerings for dogs. Together, these advancements reinforce Elanco’s leadership in canine vaccine innovation and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of modern veterinary medicine.
Elanco’s Tru™ vaccine line holds a unique distinction as the first vaccine portfolio recommended by Fear Free®, an organization dedicated to preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by educating and inspiring the people who care for them. This recommendation reflects the alignment between Tru™ vaccines and Fear Free’s mission to create calmer, more positive veterinary experiences.
“Reducing fear and anxiety during the pet vaccination experience is a critical part of our goal at Fear Free,” said Marty Becker, Founder of Fear Free. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) has on the in-clinic vaccination experience for dogs.”
TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) is expected to launch commercially in the first quarter of 2026, providing veterinarians with a new oral vaccination option that combines proven protection, reduced volume, and a focus on patient comfort.
Veterinary professionals and pet owners can learn more about TruCan™ vaccines by visiting: https://my.elanco.com/us/campaign/trucan-ultra.
About Elanco
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated is a global leader in animal health, dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services that help prevent and treat disease in both farm animals and pets. With more than 70 years of animal health heritage, Elanco works to create value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. The company is driven by its vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and its purpose to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society, and Its People. Learn more at www.elanco.com.
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