[New drugs for horses and production animals in 2015].

In 2015, four new drugs were introduced to the German market for use in horses and food-production animals. These drugs include Clodronic Acid, Ketanserin, Paromomycin, and Thiamphenicol. Additionally, new formulations, strengths, and combinations of other drugs were also introduced.

New Drugs

• Clodronic Acid (Osphos®) – This drug is part of the bisphosphonate class. Bisphosphonates are commonly used in human medicine for conditions such as osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. These drugs work by slowing the rate at which bone is broken down, allowing the bone buildup process to take place.
• Ketanserin (Vulketan®) – Ketanserin is a 5-hydroxytryptamine (2A) receptor antagonist. The 5-HT2A receptor is primarily found in the central nervous system and plays a role in the regulation of mood, anxiety, and sleep. Antagonists for this receptor are often used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, though in this context it suggests potential use in equine behavioral management.
• Paromomycin (Parofor®) – This is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a class of antibiotics used to treat infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, particularly those in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Thiamphenicol (TAF Spray®) – This antibiotic is part of the fenicole group, a class of antibiotics primarily used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

New Formulations, Strengths, and Combinations

• Three veterinary drugs were launched with new formulations, potentially allowing for improved efficacy or easier administration.
• One product was released in a new strength. Varying strengths can allow for more precise dosing or may be more appropriate for animals of different sizes or with different health conditions.
• Two products were introduced that feature a new combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients. These combinations could potentially offer improved outcomes by targeting multiple issues at once, or by having different drugs work in synergy.

A previously unavailable active ingredient, Chlorphenamine, was also reapproved and reintroduced in a new drug in this year.