FDA Announces the Approval of a New Product for the Management of Reproduction in Sheep

Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of EAZI-Breed CIDR Sheep Insert (progesterone solid matrix) for induction of estrus in ewes (sheep) during seasonal anestrus. This progesterone Controlled Intravaginal Drug Release (CIDR) is a steroid hormone that allows out-of-season breeding in sheep.

The data to support this approval were gathered in collaboration with the National Research Support Project-7 (NRSP-7), a USDA program intended to support the approval of new animal drugs for minor species of agricultural importance. 

"Members of the U.S. sheep industry have long cited this type of product as their top priority need," said, Dr. Meg Oeller, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Drug Development. "And through efforts with our partners at NSRP-7 and the pharmaceutical firm, the FDA can now point to an approved drug product that is fulfilling a real need in the sheep industry.  It represents the true spirit of the MUMS Act."

Clinical researchers funded by NRSP-7 grants conducted the studies to support the effectiveness, target animal safety, human food safety, and environmental safety of the progesterone CIDR.  These data were made available in a Public Master File in March of 2009.  The pharmaceutical company was able to use these data in conjunction with its own manufacturing, labeling, and other information to complete the new animal drug application.

EAZI-Breed CIDR Sheep Insert is manufactured by Pharmacia and Upjohn, a division of Pfizer, Inc., New York, NY.