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 USEF Approves New NSAID Equioxx (firocoxib)

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The board of directors of the United States Equestrian Federation has approved the use of the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Equioxx (firocoxib).

This new NSAID is the first cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) sparing drug to be approved by the FDA for use in horses. The drug specifically targets cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the body, and spares COX-1, which is associated with many beneficial functions, including production of the protective mucous lining of the stomach.

Firocoxib is restricted to use outside competition until the rule allowing its use takes effect August 1, 2007.

The new rule lists firocoxib as a NSAID with a restrictive quantitative limit and allows for a maximum permitted concentration of 0.240 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma. The recommendation for appropriate dose and time consideration will be consistent with the manufacturer's guidelines for its use at 0.1 milligram per kilogram of body weight once daily, corresponding with a 45.5 milligram dose for a 1000 lb. horse, which should be given no sooner than 12 hours prior to competing. Firocoxib can be used for a period of 14 consecutive days.

Per manufacturer recommendation, firocoxib should not be used in a horse in the 30 days prior to competing in an Fédération Equestre Internationale event until that group conducts a review of the drug.