Pradofloxacin

Pradofloxacin (trade name Veraflox) is a 3rd generation enhanced spectrum veterinary antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone class. It was developed by Bayer HealthCare AG, Animal Health GmbH, and received approval from the European Commission in April 2011 for prescription-only use in veterinary medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections in dogs and cats.
History.
Pradofloxacin was first discovered by chemists at Bayer in 1994 and patented in 1998. The name pradofloxacin was issued in December 2000 by the World Health Organization. Following submission for marketing authorisation to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2004, the application was refused in 2006, prompting further studies.
Having reviewed the additional studies, the EMA Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) recommended granting marketing authorisation of pradofloxacin by consensus in February 2011. Marketing authorisation of pradofloxacin was granted by the European Commission in April 2011.
Mechanism of action.
The primary mode of action of fluoroquinolones involves interaction with enzymes essential for major DNA functions such as replication, transcription and recombination. The primary targets for pradofloxacin are the bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes. Reversible association between pradofloxacin and DNA gyrase or DNA topoisomerase IV in the target bacteria results in inhibition of these enzymes and rapid death of the bacterial cell. The rapidity and extent of bacterial killing are directly proportional to the drug concentration.
As a result, pradofloxacin is active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including anaerobic bacteria.
Indications.
As with all prescription veterinary medicine, advice on the use of pradofloxacin should always be sought from a suitably qualified veterinarian.
Dogs.
In Europe Pradofloxacin is indicated for the treatment of:
Cats.
Pradofloxacin is indicated for the treatment of: