01 High Prevalence of Brd and Srd BRD is the most common pathology in young and adult animals, affecting 20–25% of calves annually, 10% of which experience growth retardation and up to 6% die. Swine can also have an SRD prevalence rate of around 20%, with a mortality rate of up to 20% and a risk of sequelae in up to 40% of affected animals. Beyond the effects on animal health, BRD and SRD have a significant financial impact on the farmer because of the reduction in animal growth, the expense of diagnosis and treatment, mortality, and the cost of additional work.
01 Entry of Generic Tulathromycin Two generic tulathromycin injectable medicines have just received FDA approval in 2021 for the treatment and management of specific diseases in both cattle and swine. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis is treated with the generic drugs Macrosyn and Increxxa in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, suckling calves, dairy calves, and veal calves. Additionally, it's used to treat swine respiratory disease (SRD), which is a condition that affects swine and is brought on by pathogens like Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.The approved brand-name drug product Draxxin, first approved in 2005, shares the same active component (tulathromycin) with Macrosyn and Increxxa in the same dose form and concentration. These two generic medications are anticipated to reduce the demand for tulathromycin in the next few years. By consuming some of the demand for the name-brand Draxxin, the demand for generic medicines will increase more quickly.
01 Lucrative Opportunity for New Entrants in Generic Tulathromycin The formulation of Draxxin, which contains the active component tulathromycin, is protected by patents in the United States, Canada, and other important markets. The patent in the United States, Canada, and Australia expires in February 2021. Till 2023, the active component tulathromycin is protected in Japan. Products containing generic tulathromycin are sold in a few nations, including Colombia, Vietnam, Belarus, Russia, Poland, and Croatia. Marketing permits for products containing generic tulathromycin.This provides the participants with a lucrative opportunity to enter the industry and take advantage of the growth opportunity, particularly in the United States and Europe. Due to the high end-user spending power and greater reliance on beef and dairy cattle, the U.S. and Europe are the two largest markets for the consumption of antibiotics for BRD and SRD. During the forecast period, we anticipate the arrival of numerous new players in the tulathromycin market in these two areas.
March 2026 Zoetis Inc. completed the acquisition of the marketing rights for Loncor® 300 (florfenicol), expanding its cattle anti-infective portfolio alongside Draxxin® (tulathromycin) and Draxxin® KP. The acquisition strengthens Zoetis' respiratory disease treatment portfolio for North American livestock producers.
January 2026 Zoetis Inc. launched its 2026 U.S. rebate program for Draxxin® (tulathromycin injection), Draxxin® KP (tulathromycin and ketoprofen injection), and Draxxin® 25, supporting continued adoption of its tulathromycin-based therapies among U.S. cattle and swine producers.
2026 Zoetis Inc. continued commercial expansion of its Draxxin® franchise across North America while noting that the original tulathromycin patents have expired, with the company maintaining its branded portfolio through lifecycle management and complementary anti-infective offerings for livestock health.
December 2025 Elanco Animal Health announced a USD 400 million investment in its U.S. manufacturing and R&D operations over the next five years. The expansion includes strengthening its domestic manufacturing footprint and R&D capabilities, supporting its portfolio of livestock health products, including anti-infectives used in cattle and swine.