Draxxin (tulathromycin) injection, which is a widely used macrolide antibiotic for the treatment and prevention of bacterial respiratory disease in cattle, has come off patent, according to The Western Producer (WP).
The demand for this drug was huge in the Canadian feedlot industry when it first hit the market.
Other drugs that belong to the same macrolide family, which are used to treat bacterial respiratory disease in cattle, include Zuprevo (tildipirosin), Micotil (tilmicosin), and Zactran (gamithromycin).
As the patent is off Draxxin, several companies have manufactured generic products with the same active ingredient. However, companies are asked to follow the lead of their herd veterinarian before making any changes to the prevention or treatment of feedlot cattle, per the news outlet.
The Canadian market could receive more than six generic products with the same molecular composition as Draxxin this fall, which means there could be price reductions.
Draxxin is indicated for the treatment and prevention of swine respiratory disease (SRD) associated with certain types of bacteria in cattle, according to drugs.com.
“The new generic products will have names like Lydaxx, Tulamaxx, Tulaven, Tulisson, and Increxxa,” says The WP.
Dr. Roy Lewis, a veterinarian in Alberta, said, “I think there is always a complicated naming process, especially if looking at it globally. What is considered an appropriate or unique name in one language may be a swear word in another.”
“All these products need a veterinary prescription so the veterinary-client-patient relationship is vital,” he added. “It will be an interesting year with all these equivalent products coming out.” The article was originally published on The Western Producer, a leading agricultural publication targeted for Western Canadian farmers and ranchers and has been a staple in the agricultural industry since 1923.
