Unveiling the Future: Opportunities in Long-Acting Injectable Drug Development for Veterinary Care

Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations have revolutionized veterinary pharmaceuticals by improving patient compliance, minimizing dosage frequency, and improving therapeutic efficacy. These formulations utilize advanced drug delivery technologies, including microspheres, liposomes, oil solutions/suspensions, in situ-forming gels, and implants to achieve extended drug release. Biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and polycaprolactone (PCL) have been approved by the USFDA and are widely employed in the development of various LAIs, offering controlled drug release and minimizing the side effects. Various classes of veterinary medicines, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and reproductive hormones, have been successfully formulated as LAIs. Some remarkable LAI products, such as ProHeart® (moxidectin), Excede® (ceftiofur), and POSILACTM (recombinant bovine somatotropin), show clinical relevance and commercial success. This review provides comprehensive information on the formulation strategies currently being used and the emerging technologies in LAIs for veterinary purposes. Additionally, challenges in characterization, in vitro testing, in vitro in vivo correlation (IVIVC), and safety concerns regarding biocompatibility are discussed, along with the prospects for next-generation LAIs. Continued advancement in the field of LAI in veterinary medicine is essential for improving animal health.