Dechra launches new equine navicular syndrome therapy Osphos

Dechra has announced the launch of Osphos, a new therapy to help control clinical signs associated with the bone resorptive processes of navicular syndrome in horses.

The intramuscular clodronic acid injection-based therapy is the only veterinary licensed product for this indication in the UK. Clinical trials have shown that 74.7 percent of horses experienced improvement by at least one lameness grade at 56 days post-treatment with Osphos.

Meanwhile, mild transient colic was seen in just 1.6 percent of cases, meaning the therapy could change the way chronic lameness caused by navicular syndrome is tackled by equine vets.

The product functions by inhibiting resorption in the navicular bone, binding to hydroxyapatite crystals and creating direct cellular effects on osteoclasts.

Emma Jennings, brand manager at Dechra, said: "We're looking forward to being able to support equine vets, vet nurses and practices by providing an intramuscular clodronic acid injection for horses."

In 2013, the firm's pharmaceutical sales revenues topped 189 million pounds, with almost 90 percent of this coming from Europe. It currently has eight novel products and three differentiated generics in its pipeline.