Veterinary drugs under FDA, not BAI

Photo: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of regulating veterinary drug products, veterinary biological products, and establishments, not the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

FDA director general Dr. Samuel Zacate made the clarification on Aug. 5, saying that finished products for therapeutic purposes for animals, including veterinary drugs, medicated feed products, and antimicrobials, shall be regulated by the agency, which is under the Department of Health.

READ: New drug extends lifespan of large dogs

On the other hand, the BAI, which is under the Department of Agriculture, will be in charge of the issuance of authorization for feed ingredients, feed additives, or feed raw materials meant for manufacturing or producing animal feeds, except for veterinary drugs or ingredients with therapeutic, antimicrobial or medicated properties.

“While the FDA is still developing the guidelines for veterinary drugs, [it] shall use the guidance document on the classification of veterinary drugs and feeds set forth by Health Canada,” the FDA said in an advisory. —Dexter Cabalza