Our animal friends are more than just pets –– they’re family. Which is why we seek the best medical care for them when they become sick.
As more people adopt new furry friends into their families, veterinary practices gain more patients, and therefore the need for veterinary pharmaceuticals increases.
In this blog, we investigate the growing need for veterinary medical supplies and the advancements in animal care.
- The pet ownership boom
- Advances in animal healthcare
- How the veterinary pharmaceutical industry is responding
- The challenges of this rapid growth
- Where to get veterinary pharmaceuticals
The pet ownership boom
A report published by the FEDIAF revealed there were over 13 million dogs in the country in 2022 with over 34% of households owning at least one dog, and more than 28% owning a cat.
Pet owners are also showing a growing commitment to the health and well-being of their dogs and cats, thanks to the rise of platforms such as TikTok promoting animal welfare and sharing educational content.
This shift in perception has led to a willingness for owners to invest in high-quality healthcare, including preventative and therapeutic medications for common conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease in pets.
So, it comes down to one thing –– with more pets comes a greater need for veterinary care, and by extension, pharmaceuticals.
Advances in animal healthcare
Alongside the increase in pet ownership, there have been significant advances in veterinary medicine in recent years.
Innovations in diagnostics, treatment options, and a better understanding of animal health have all contributed to the demand for more sophisticated veterinary pharmaceuticals.
Expanding laboratories
In November 2023, Antech opened a new laboratory in Warwick, United Kingdom. The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic services. This includes everything from routine blood work and biochemistry to advanced molecular diagnostics and histopathology.
The Warwick lab is expected to be a hub for research and development, contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine through the introduction of new diagnostic tests and technologies.
Personalised care
Targeted therapies and personalised medicine for pets are a growing trend, mirroring similar trends in human healthcare. These advancements require new and more specialised drugs to be developed and made available to veterinarians.
There’s also a push for preventative care, with vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, and dietary supplements seeing increased usage.
The awareness of zoonotic diseases — those that can be transmitted from animals to humans — has also spurred the development and use of vaccines and treatments, highlighting the interconnectedness of human and animal health.
How the veterinary pharmaceutical industry is responding
To meet the growing demand, the veterinary pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant transformation. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to bring new drugs to market, with a focus on innovation and safety.
For example, companies are exploring biologics and monoclonal antibodies, which have the potential to offer more precise treatments with fewer side effects compared to traditional pharmaceuticals.
These innovative approaches are not only improving the effectiveness of treatments but are also paving the way for personalised medicine in veterinary care, where treatments are tailored to the individual needs of animals based on their genetic makeup, health history, and specific conditions.
This change is reflected in the rising number of veterinary pharmaceutical approvals by regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and DEFRA/VMD, evaluating things like potential side effects, understanding how the drug interacts with other medications, and ensuring that there are no harmful residues in food-producing animals.
Of course, with the industry changing and adapting to this rapid growth, it poses some new challenges that supply chains and vets alike need to overcome:
Regulatory hurdles
The development of new veterinary drugs is subject to rigorous regulatory oversight, with approval processes that can be lengthy and costly. Regulatory bodies like the FDA in the United States and the EMA in Europe have strict guidelines that ensure the safety and efficacy of veterinary drugs. Meeting these standards requires extensive clinical testing, which can slow down the time-to-market and increase development costs.
The regulatory landscape varies significantly across different regions, making it challenging for companies to launch products internationally. Navigating these varied regulations requires a deep understanding of local laws and can necessitate region-specific adaptations of products, further complicating the global rollout of new drugs.
High research and development costs
Developing new drugs is an expensive process that involves significant investment in research, clinical trials, and regulatory compliance.
Many potential drugs do not make it through the development pipeline due to issues with efficacy, safety, or manufacturability. This can result in significant financial losses for companies that have invested heavily in the development process.
Antimicrobial resistance
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant challenge for the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine have led to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria, making infections harder to treat. This has led to increased scrutiny of antibiotic use in animals, particularly in livestock, and a push for the development of alternative therapies.
In response to AMR, regulatory bodies are imposing stricter controls on the use of antibiotics in animals, especially in food-producing species. This creates challenges for the industry as it seeks to balance the need for effective treatments with the need to prevent the spread of resistance.
Supply chain disruptions
The veterinary pharmaceutical industry, like many others, has been affected by global supply chain disruptions. These disruptions can delay the production and distribution of drugs, leading to shortages and increased costs. The reliance on raw materials from specific regions can exacerbate these issues, making the industry vulnerable to geopolitical instability and trade restrictions.
What’s important to remember here is, that these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, particularly in the development of generic drugs, which are more affordable and accessible.
Where to get veterinary pharmaceuticals
The growing demand for veterinary pharmaceuticals is a clear reflection of changing societal attitudes towards pets and the advancements in animal healthcare.
As pet ownership continues to rise and veterinary medicine advances, the pharmaceutical industry will need to continue evolving, embracing innovation and adapting to meet the needs of a more health-conscious and pet-loving society.
At Active Pharma, we’re committed to supporting the veterinary community by providing innovative, safe, and effective pharmaceutical solutions. With our extensive expertise in research and development, we are at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge molecules to market, tailored to meet the evolving needs of animals and their caregivers.
