CARROS, FRANCE — Virbac announced the launch of the “world’s first” medicated feed for cats in Europe. Called Vikaly, the food marries a renal kibble with a veterinary drug, aiming to advance therapeutic animal nutrition.
According to Virbac, Vikaly took several years of research and development between its R&D, galenic, industrial and regulatory teams. The company leveraged its pharmacy and veterinary nutritional expertise to create the innovation.
“The story began more than 15 years ago, with the idea of combining an essential medication with food, to improve the quality of life of cats with chronic diseases and make life easier for their owners,” said Bertrand Havrileck, group R&D director. “Today, we are proud to see this vision become a reality with the launch of the world’s first medicated pet food.”
Vikaly is designed, developed and manufactured locally in France at Virbac’s Carros and Vauvert sites, providing the company with control over the entire value chain, from formulation to distribution. Additionally, the facilities have regulatory approval to manufacture medicated feed.
To create the food, Virbac uses a proprietary manufacturing process. The company produces a medicated premix, made at its facility in Carros, and the premix is then sprayed onto dry kibble at its Vauvert facility. This process, according to Virbac, precisely doses the medicinal ingredients and thoroughly coats each piece of kibble, ensuring each bite contains the correct dose.
With Vikaly, Virbac is entering a new regulatory category in Europe. The medication included in the kibble formula is a veterinary drug subject to marketing authorization. The company plans to sell and distribute the food via the veterinary channel, requiring veterinary prescriptions following a clinical examination of the cat. Additionally, the company’s distribution of the food will be in compliance with European regulation requirements.
“With this solution, Virbac aims to sustainably evolve care protocols in veterinary medicine, while contributing to the wellbeing of companion animals,” said Nathalie Pollet, global marketing director and member of the Group Management Committee at Virbac.
Read more about new pet food and treat products.
