Pfizer Animal Health has announced that the European Commission has granted a central marketing authorization for Draxxin (tulathromycin), a new antimicrobial for the treatment and prevention of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD). Draxxin's first introduction will be to the 15 countries of the European Union, with additional launches worldwide pending regulatory approval.

Draxxin represents a new class of antimicrobials, the triamilides, and was developed by Pfizer Animal Health specifically as a veterinary treatment for respiratory disease in livestock. Pfizer says that Draxxin rapidly achieves extensive tissue distribution with high concentration in the lungs and prolonged duration of activity thanks to its unique chemical structure and pharmacokinetic profile. Draxxin's prolonged activity from a single injection addresses the widely recognized need for more complete and convenient control of cattle and swine respiratory disease through the full period of disease challenge.

In cattle, Draxxin will be indicated for the treatment of respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Haemophilus somnus. Draxxin will have a prevention claim for the treatment of cattle that are exposed to respiratory infections and are at high risk of infection.

In pigs, Draxxin is indicated for the treatment of SRD associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, multocida and Mycoplasma hypopneumoniae.