AGRIPRO®
AGRIPRO® is BioProspect's brand for its animal health and nutrition products, including GI-GUARD® products for gastro-intestinal care and AGRIPRO® products for other topical and general health care applications in animals.
The global market for over the counter animal health products exceeds $15 billion a year, with more than 40% spent in the companion animal segment, including horses.
AGRIPRO® products are based on naturally derived plant extracts including Conifer Green Needle Complex (CGNC). CGNC is a natural substance with low toxicity extracted from the green needles of Scotch Pine and Norwegian Spruce trees, with unique anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties.
CGNC has already been approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in listed oral and topical medicines, thereby significantly reducing the registration requirements for animal health care products with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Potential formulations of CGNC products include liquid, paste, gel, salve, pellets and block products, for both companion and food production animals.
Regulatory submission
In June 2010, BioProspect announced the submission of a registration application with the APVMA for GI-GUARD® Oral Paste for Horses. Comprised of 90% CGNC, the new product can be administered for general health and well-being of the gastro-intestinal tract, and for alleviating symptoms associated with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), which is a common complaint among performance horses.
The registration application was subsequently withdrawn, due to the expiry of a time limit for additional data on product chemistry.
Horse study of GI-GUARD® Oral Paste (Photo courtesy of SCEC Pty Ltd)
The company has also developed AGRIPRO® Topical Gel (7.5% CGNC) for the treatment of surface wounds and abrasions and skin conditions, which represents a significant component of the equine healthcare market. This product also has application in other species.
Safety studies in horses have already been completed for both GI-GUARD® Oral Paste and AGRIPRO® Topical Gel.
In January 2012, BioProspect announced a new commercialisation strategy for AGRIPRO®, with resources to be focused on local product development. The new, cost-effective strategy will improve the product registration process, which is now focused on AGRIPRO® Topical Gel for horses and potentially other companion animals.
The company plans to further improve the data package for CGNC-based products to ensure it meets both Australian and international standards.