FDA approves first generic pergolide tablet for horses with PPID

The FDA has approved Zygolide, Dechra’s pergolide tablet for horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, or PPID, making it the first FDA-approved generic alternative to Prascend for control of the disease’s clinical signs in horses. FDA approved the product on December 19, 2025, and announced it publicly on January 9, 2026. According to the agency’s Freedom of Information summary, Zygolide is a 1 mg oral pergolide tablet, available by prescription only, and was shown to be bioequivalent to Prascend in a 24-horse blood-level study. Dechra says the product will be marketed as a peppermint-flavored tablet with 360-degree scoring to support dose adjustment and daily administration, and promotional materials in The Horse frame that pitch around helping owners “rediscover the partnership” and enjoy “more happy moments together.” (fda.gov)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians, the biggest shift is practical: a second FDA-approved pergolide option may improve access for horses with PPID, especially where cost, tablet splitting, or long-term adherence have been barriers. PPID is common in older horses, and pergolide remains the only FDA-approved drug class used to control its clinical signs. A generic entrant could help clinics and pet parents manage chronic treatment more consistently, but veterinarians will still need to counsel clients on dose titration, monitoring response, and safe handling, since pergolide tablets should not be crushed because of human exposure concerns. Dechra’s consumer-facing campaign also underscores the emotional side of treatment adherence, positioning symptom control as a way to preserve comfort and the horse-owner relationship over time. (fda.gov)

What to watch: Watch for how quickly Zygolide gains distribution through equine pharmacies and whether its lower-cost positioning materially changes long-term PPID treatment adherence in practice. It will also be worth watching whether Dechra’s quality-of-life messaging around easier daily use resonates with owners managing senior horses at home. (dechra-us.com)