Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that Banamine Injectable Solution, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug for horses, is available again to treat inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders and colic. Production of the drug was halted in May 2002, when Schering-Plough signed a consent decree of permanent injunction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after FDA found violations of current good manufacturing practices. Schering agreed to pay $500 million to the U.S. Treasury and take measures to comply with the FDA’s CGMP at its New Jersey and Puerto Rico plants before production could resume at those locations.

Some clinics had ordered large supplies of Banamine before the decree, and several generic forms of the drug manufactured by other companies were available during the manufacturing drought. Veterinarians and horse owners were assured at the time of the decree that all existing Banamine had undergone rigorous quality control testing before distribution, and there had been no recalls.

Jon Lowe, product director, said, “The product is the trusted choice of equine veterinarians nationwide, and we’re pleased to make it available again