LAS VEGAS--Pfizer Animal Health today announced that the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) has approved EXCEDE® Sterile Suspension as the
first safe and effective, long-acting antibiotic formulation licensed
for horses. EXCEDE Sterile Suspension is the newest addition to Pfizer
Animal Health’s extensive portfolio of equine products backed by
scientific research and innovation in the field of equine medicine.
EXCEDE Sterile Suspension is indicated for the treatment of lower
respiratory tract infections in horses caused by susceptible bacterial
strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. EXCEDE acts as a
sustained release product that offers an extended duration of action
with fewer injections compared to other antibiotic treatments on the
market. The low risk of side effects and proven efficacy and safety in
an extended release formulation make EXCEDE for horses a true
innovation. Veterinarians administer two intramuscular injections to
affected horses 4 days apart. Therapeutic drug concentrations against
Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus are maintained for a total of 10
days from the initiation of treatment.
“EXCEDE Sterile Suspension has been used by veterinarians for many years
with great success in cattle and swine,” said Dr. Thomas Lenz, Senior
Director, Equine Veterinary Services. “Pfizer Animal Health is excited
to be able to offer this safe and effective antibiotic for treatment in
horses in just two doses for a full course of therapy.”
EXCEDE Sterile Suspensions is a cephalosporin antibiotic in the form of
Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid. Ceftiofur, like other β-lactam
antimicrobials, exerts a bactericidal effect by inhibiting bacterial
cell wall synthesis. This interference is due primarily to covalent
binding to the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are essential
for synthesis of the bacterial wall. After intramuscular injection,
ceftiofur is released from the crystalline form in oil over time, and
then rapidly metabolized to desfuroylceftiofur, the primary active
metabolite. Ceftiofur is the only cephalosporin approved for use in
horses and is known for its low toxicity and high margin of safety.
New market research from Pfizer Animal Health shows that 1 in 4 horse
owners and caretakers are not fully compliant.1 A number of horse owners
feel that trying to administer oral or injectable medications negatively
impacts their relationship with the horse. With only two required doses,
EXCEDE Sterile Suspension makes it easy for horse owners and
veterinarians to fully complete treatment, while causing minimal stress
to the horse.
“Using EXCEDE as recommended ensures optimal safety and efficacy for
treatment.” said Dr. Lenz. “A long-acting antimicrobial will allow
equine veterinarians to achieve optimal compliance with minimal dosing,
a true innovation compared to current therapeutic regimens.”
Important Safety Information: As with all drugs, the use of
EXCEDE Sterile Suspension is contraindicated in animals with known
allergy to ceftiofur or to the β-lactam group (penicillins and
cephalosporins) of antimicrobials. Do not use EXCEDE in horses intended
for human consumption. The administration of antimicrobials in horses
under conditions of stress may be associated with diarrhea, which may
require appropriate veterinary therapy. Though safe in cattle when
properly administered, inadvertent intra-arterial injection is possible
and fatal. EXCEDE has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 13 days in
cattle. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. For complete
details, refer to the full prescribing
information.
For more information on EXCEDE Sterile Suspension visit www.Excede.com.
Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader in
discovering and developing innovative animal prescription medicines and
vaccines, investing an estimated $300 million annually in animal health
product research and development. Pfizer Animal Health’s
industry-leading U.S. equine product portfolio now includes a wide range
of biologics, parasiticides and sedatives / analgesics trusted by
veterinarians, including many from Fort Dodge. For more information on
how Pfizer Animal Health helps horses to live longer, healthier lives,
visit
animalhealth.pfizer.com.
1. Proprietary Market Research, Equine Antibiotics: Compliance and
Barriers to Administration, Data on file, Pfizer Animal Health, May 2008.
Editors: Images to accompany this release are available for download
from the Equine Writers’ Resource section at www.equineresources.com.
