The challenge
Equine gastric disease affects millions of horses globally, particularly in high-performance sectors like thoroughbred racing and endurance riding. It is the most prevalent of all equine diseases, with more than 80% of high-performance horses suffering from gastric ulcers. The standard treatment for gastric ulcers is a daily oral paste, typically containing medicine omeprazole. However, this treatment is often rejected by horses and only suppresses acid production for nine to 16 hours a day. As a result, ulcers may persist for two to three months, significantly impacting the health and performance of these valuable animals.
Our Solution
Our research team, led by CPI Co-Director Professor Sanjay Garg, has partnered with pharmaceutical company Luoda Pharma to develop a groundbreaking intervention.
The team has introduced a long-acting injectable formulation of omeprazole that addresses the limitations of oral treatments.
The injectable solution begins suppressing stomach acid within hours and maintains therapeutic levels for up to seven days.
Prof Garg says the injectable treatment provides horses with continuous relief and significantly improves ulcer healing times.
“Clinical reports indicate that the treatment has resulted in the healing of ulcers in less than 14 days,” Prof Garg says.
“Our innovative solution not only bypasses the instability issues of oral omeprazole but also ensures a consistent dosage.
“Together, we have invented something of great direct benefit to horses and their owners, worldwide.”
Caption: CPI has partnered with pharmaceutical company Luoda Pharma to create a reformulated drug that can be administered to race horses as an injection, allowing for enhanced healing of stomach ulcers.
Luoda Pharma’s Head of Product Development Dr Stephen Page says the treatment is now widely used in Europe, and the company is actively pursuing global registration to extend the benefits to horses worldwide.
“Our new intervention has quickly become the treatment of choice for many veterinarians, offering a practical and effective solution to a problem that has long troubled horse owners and trainers,” Dr Page says.
“This treatment improves the health, welfare and performance of horses, which is especially critical in competitive environments like racing and endurance events.”
“Our work is a testament to what can happen when you combine high-level expertise with a shared objective: improving the lives of animals on a global scale.”
