[New drugs for horses and production animals in 2013].

The research article discusses the introduction of newly developed veterinary drugs in 2013 in Germany. It highlights that only one new active pharmaceutical ingredient was released for horses and food-producing animals, along with the introduction of new uses for two existing veterinary drugs and the release of one veterinary drug in a new form and strength.

New Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

• The research explains that only one new active pharmaceutical ingredient, an ionophore called Monensin, was launched on the German market for veterinary drugs in 2013. It is a type of polyether antibiotic that is administered orally as a continuous release intraruminal device for cattle with the brand name Kexxtone®. Intraruminal devices are administered into the rumen, one of the stomach compartments in ruminants like cattle, for slow release of the drug over a prolonged period of time.

Existing Veterinary Drugs for Additional Species

• Next, the article mentions that two existing active pharmaceutical ingredients were approved for use in additional species. Firstly, the antibiotic amoxicillin (brand name Suramox®) was authorized for use in ducks and turkeys, extending its scope from its prior uses.
• Secondly, the dissociative anesthetic Ketamine, which was previously authorized for use in certain animals, was also authorized for use in sheep, goats and dairy cattle. Dissociative anesthetics are a class of anesthesia that distort perception of sight and sound and produce feelings of detachment from the environment and self.

New Form and Strength of Veterinary Drugs

• The paper also notes the introduction of a new pharmaceutical form of an existing veterinary drug, though it didn’t specify which drug this was. A new “pharmaceutical form” could refer to a change in the physical form of the drug, for example from a tablet to a liquid solution or a topical gel.
• Lastly, there was the release of a veterinary drug in a new strength. This means that the drug was introduced in a new dosage form, giving more options for its use in animals of differing sizes or conditions. This could have significant implications for animals’ health and well-being, offering more precise and effective treatment options.