Fort Dodge Animal Health has launched PropoClear, a short-acting, intravenous general anaesthetic for dogs and cats.

The company believes that PropoClear, based on novel lipid-free micro-emulsion technology, will deliver significant clinical benefits over conventional lipid-based propofol emulsions, and will also deliver increased cost-effectiveness and convenience to practices.

PropoClear is indicated for use as a short-acting general anaesthetic for procedures lasting up to five minutes. It is also indicated for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia using incremental doses and for the induction of anaesthesia where maintenance is provided by inhalation. 

According to Fort Dodge, PropoClear's unique lipid-free, nano-emulsion formulation and its inclusion of antimicrobial preservatives provide the following key benefits to practices:

  • Extended microbial stability
    PropoClear's formulation requires no lipid content and facilitates the inclusion of effective microbial preservatives to reduce the opportunity for microbial contamination. Fort Dodge says that its extended microbial stability has the potential to reduce the risk of post operative infections.
  • Broached vial shelf life of 28 days
    Unlike conventional propofol emulsions which are susceptible to bacterial contamination and must be used or disposed of quickly, broached PropoClear vials have a shelf life of up to 28 days, which Fort Dodge says will improve clinic compliance and reduce waste.
  • Presentation in multi-dose vials (50 and 100 ml)
    PropoClear, which presents as a virtually clear and colourless liquid, is the first product to be offered in multidose vials in a move to make it more convenient and cost-effective for practices, according to Fort Dodge. It has a shelf life of three years unopened.

Dr Jo Murrell, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Division of Companion Animals, the University of Bristol, said:  "With currently available lipid-based propofol formulations unused drug should be discarded immediately once the vial has been opened leading to drug wastage or the potential for bacterial contamination of the remaining solution if this regulation is ignored. The new lipid-free propofol formulation, which also contains antimicrobial preservatives, overcomes this limitation and will provide significant clinical benefits in terms of the 28 day shelf life once broached."

Matthew Rowe, Marketing Manager for Companion Animals at Fort Dodge, said:  "In developing PropoClear, it was our goal to deliver an anaesthetic product with the same proven efficacy as the existing solution but which offered significant benefits in terms of enhanced safety, cost and convenience.

"PropoClear contains the same concentration of the established active molecule and follows familiar guide dose protocols to ensure ease of use. We have been encouraged by the positive feedback received during product trials and believe the significant advantages its offers, both clinically and financially, to practices in challenging times, will ensure its rapid adoption by veterinary practices across the UK."

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