Synergistic IGR Topical Formulation for Reduced Insecticide Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ectoparasiticidal formulations for companion animals often require high volumes of insecticides to achieve effective pesticidal effects, and combinations of insect growth regulators (IGRs) from different classes or with different mobility capabilities were thought to provide only additive effects, limiting their efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A topical formulation combining two or more IGRs from various classes, along with an adulticide, to achieve a synergistic effect that enhances ectoparasiticidal activity, reducing the amount of active ingredients needed and providing broad protection against ectoparasites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high volumes of insecticides are used to achieve effective pesticidal effects, then the pesticidal efficacy is improved, but the volume of insecticide applied to the animal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepesticidal efficacyVSAvoidvolume of insecticide
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple IGRs from different chemical classes (phenylpyrazole, isoxazoline, spinosyn, macrocyclic lactone, pyrethroid) into a single formulation. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the combination of different mechanisms of action produces enhanced pesticidal efficacy greater than the sum of individual components, allowing reduced volumes to achieve the same or better protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple IGR active ingredients with different modes of action and mobility characteristics into one topical formulation. By combining IGRs that differ in their ability to translocate through the environment and their chemical stability, the formulation achieves broader spectrum coverage and prolonged protection while minimizing the total volume applied to the animal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If combinations of IGRs from different classes are used, then the synergistic effect is enhanced, but the formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveectoparasiticidal activityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal topical formulation that simultaneously addresses multiple ectoparasite types (fleas, ticks, lice) and multiple life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, adults) through a single application. The multi-component IGR combination provides broad-spectrum activity against various parasite species while maintaining a practical single-dose application format for veterinary use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the formulation by carefully selecting specific concentration ranges for each IGR component and their ratios to one another. By adjusting these parameters within defined ranges, the formulation achieves synergistic enhancement of ectoparasiticidal activity while maintaining stability and preventing formulation incompatibilities that would arise from arbitrary combinations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9949487B1Ectoparasiticidal formulations and methods using combinations of insect growth regulators
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 THE HARTZ MOUNTAIN CORP

AI summary

A method of and a composition for treating a parasitic infestation in an animal and/or its environment is provided. The method includes providing an ectoparasitcidal formulation which comprises two or more IGRs, in which the IGRs may be selected from the same IGR class or from different IGR classes (excluding two or more juvenile hormone mimic IGRs selected from S-methoprene, hydroprene and pyriproxyfen) and regardless of whether each IGR is mobile or non-mobile or is capable or incapable of translocation in the environment.