Problems concerned with the development of new drugs for the livestock industry.

Abstract

The paper considers the differences between the requirements of the development of new products for the livestock industry, as compared with those encountered in the medical field. It is emphasised that in many ways animal requirements are more straightforward and can be determined much earlier because it is possible to give the new chemical to the target species at the onset of an investigation. It is also suggested that where a recognised and tested human drug is to be developed for animal use, the process of investigation should be shorter as so much scientific detail has already been evaluated. Because the economic costs of the development of new veterinary drugs are high it is recommended that industry, the registration authorities, and the veterinary surgeon in practice should work closely together so as to ensure that a range of appropriate drugs is continually developed.