B.AWW.0020 - Nanoparticle technologies to extend the duration of action of meloxicam – Part 2

Project start date: 15 April 2025
Project end date: 30 April 2026
Publication date: 16 June 2026
Project status: Completed
Livestock species: Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Lamb
Relevant regions: National, Cold wet, Dry, Mediterranean, Tropical warm season wet, Sub-tropical moist, Sub-tropical sub-humid, Temperate, Temperate sub-humid, Tropical Moist, Tropical wet

Summary

Effective pain management remains a challenge in livestock production, particularly where current analgesic products require repeat administration to maintain therapeutic benefit. This project investigated the potential of advanced drug-delivery technologies to extend the duration of action of meloxicam, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with the aim of improving animal welfare outcomes while reducing the need for repeated handling and treatment of animals. The work forms part of a broader effort to develop practical, long-acting pain management solutions for the red meat industry.

The project focused on the development and evaluation of a novel injectable formulation incorporating controlled-release particle technology designed to deliver meloxicam over an extended period following administration. Pharmacokinetic studies were undertaken in sheep to assess the formulation's ability to provide sustained drug exposure and to generate data that will inform future product development and optimisation.

The results demonstrated proof of concept for prolonged drug release and confirmed that the technology platform warrants further investigation. The project generated valuable information on formulation performance, delivery characteristics and in vivo behaviour, providing a foundation for future research and development activities. As aspects of the technology remain commercially sensitive and subject to intellectual property considerations, further details are not being disclosed at this time.

Objectives

To test a novel formulation to extend the duratinon of action of meloxicam.

MLA action

Consider funding further research.

More information

Project manager: Michael Laurence
Contact email: reports@mla.com.au