Putney aims to compete in generic pet drug market with new launch

PORTLAND, Maine — Putney has launched a generic version of a veterinary skin infection drug, the company said.

Putney announced the launch of cefpodoxime proxetil, a generic version of Pfizer's Simplicef, used to treat certain skin infections in dogs. Putney said its product was the only generic version of Simplicef approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

According to IMS Health, generics now account for more than 80% of prescription drugs dispensed to humans, but an analysis of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine approvals indicated that only 7% of medicines for dogs and cats have a generic version.

"Pet owners are looking for more affordable, equivalent medications to treat their pet family members, just like the FDA approved generic drugs that they are comfortable using when doctors prescribe medication for their human family," Putney president and CEO Jean Hoffman said.

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