Studies of the pharmacokinetic profile, in vivo efficacy and safety of injectable altrenogest for the suppression of oestrus in mares.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the long-acting altrenogest injection (NV Readyserve® injection) for horses. DESIGN: A single-dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study was conducted. The in vivo efficacy study was a blinded, repeated measures design evaluating behaviour scores. The safety study was a non-blinded, controlled, parallel-group, randomised-block design as per the VICH protocol. METHODS: In the PK study, serial blood samples were obtained for analysis of plasma altrenogest for 150 h following the injection and a non-compartmental PK analysis was performed. For the efficacy study, 12 mares in oestrus were treated; they were monitored daily for 10 days for signs of oestrus during teasing and given a behaviour score that was compared with pretreatment scores. A standard safety study was conducted at 1-, 3- and 5-fold the recommended dosage for 84 days. Physical, haematological and biochemical examinations were performed. RESULTS: Mean plasma altrenogest concentrations were greater than ≈0.5 ng/mL for 148 h following administration. Oestrous behaviour was suppressed in all mares within 24 h of administration. Two mares returned to oestrus by day 6 and the rest on days 7-10. In the safety study there were no significant differences in the physical and haematological examinations, but minor biochemical changes in muscle enzymes. There was a low incidence of injection site reactions following the 3- and 5-fold dose, predominantly for pectoral injections. CONCLUSION: These studies support the efficacy and safety of a single dose of Readyserve® injection for the suppression of the signs of oestrus in mares for 5-7 days.