AQHA Approves EQUIOXX® and Provides Thousands of Competitors an Alternative for Equine Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
Equestrian News Release

DULUTH, GA. - Feb. 6, 2008 - The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Executive Committee approved the use of EQUIOXX® (firocoxib) effective Jan. 1, 2008 - allowing competitors across the country an alternative for relieving equine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.

"When we saw the test results on EQUIOXX, we began looking at changing our rules immediately," says Cam Foreman, Executive Director of Shows and Regional Services at AQHA. "Our rules are such that it took a bit longer to go into effect. We've talked to several veterinarians that have used EQUIOXX in non-competing horses and think it will be a great thing for our members."

The approval allows AQHA competitors to use EQUIOXX at the recommended dose 12 hours prior to competition and up to 14 consecutive days.

"Approving EQUIOXX demonstrates the organization's commitment to promoting excellence in equine health care," says Dr. Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, Associate Director of Equine Veterinary Professional Services, Merial. "It's the same philosophy we've taken with the product itself. Treatment for equine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation can work quickly and be demonstrated safe."

EQUIOXX is proven to control the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis can develop in horses as young as 2 years old.

Available through veterinarians, EQUIOXX works quickly to provide 24 hours of pain relief, and it is easily administered as an oral paste.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see http://www.merial.com.

As with any prescription medication, prior to use, your veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review your horse's medical history. Your veterinarian will advise you to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity. As a class, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. EQUIOXX has not been tested in horses less than 1 year.

1 AQHA Executive Committee Approves New Drug. America’s Horse Weekly Newsletter. Aug. 28, 2007.

2 American Quarter Horse Association. Show rules & regulations. Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations. 2008:128. Available at: http://www.aqha.com/association/registration/pdf/showrules_08.pdf. Accessed February 1, 2008.

3 Data on file at Merial, Pharmacokinetic Study, PR&D 0096601.

4 Data on file at Merial, “Clinical Experience Report, PHN 471, Target Animal Safety Evaluation, Firocoxib (ML-1,785,713) Oral Paste for Horses.”

5 Data on file at Merial, Safety Study, PR&D 0083001.

6 Schlueter AE and Orth MW. Equine osteoarthritis: a brief review of the disease and its causes. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology. 2004;1(4):221–231.

®EQUIOXX is a registered trademark of Merial. ã2008 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. LAGEEQX803