FDA approves first generic moxidectin drench for sheep

The FDA has approved the first generic moxidectin oral drench for sheep, clearing First Priority Inc.’s over-the-counter product as a bioequivalent alternative to Elanco’s brand-name Cydectin Oral Drench for Sheep. Announced April 29, 2026, the approval covers treatment and control of adult and larval internal parasites, including Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., Oesophagostomum spp., and Nematodirus spp. The product is supplied in 1 L and 4 L bottles, labeled at 1 mL per 11 lb body weight, with a 7-day slaughter withdrawal and no established milk withholding time for ewes producing milk for human consumption. (fda.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinarians and sheep producers, the approval could modestly improve access and price competition in a category with relatively few FDA-approved antiparasitics for small ruminants. But it doesn’t change the underlying stewardship challenge: FDA says resistance has developed to every active ingredient currently marketed for sheep and goats in the U.S., including moxidectin, which was first approved for sheep in 2005. In practice, that means the new generic may expand options at the pharmacy shelf, while still requiring careful parasite monitoring, fecal egg count-based decision-making, and attention to label restrictions. (fda.gov)

What to watch: Watch for pricing and distribution uptake, and for whether the approval changes on-farm deworming choices in a market where resistance management remains the bigger story. (fda.gov)