Emirates Drug Establishment Implements Ciprofloxacin Ban in Veterinary Medicine
The regulatory body has announced a comprehensive prohibition on the use of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in veterinary applications from November 1st, 2026, in a significant step towards preserving the efficacy of human medicines and combating antimicrobial resistance.
The Emirates Drug Establishment has undertaken a decisive regulatory intervention by announcing a ban on ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone classification, within the United Arab Emirates’ veterinary sector, effective from 1st November 2026. This measure reflects a commitment to safeguarding public health through the responsible stewardship of antimicrobial agents and the preservation of their therapeutic efficacy.
Ciprofloxacin has been designated as a Critically Important Antimicrobial for human medicine due to its essential role in treating specific bacterial infections. The prohibition stems from evidence that inappropriate administration in veterinary contexts could facilitate the development of bacterial resistance, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of treatments available for human patients and presenting potential challenges to public health security.
The regulatory decision emerged from a rigorous scientific assessment incorporating antimicrobial resistance data, including research contributions from the United Arab Emirates University. This evidence-based approach enabled the establishment to formulate regulatory interventions grounded in substantive scientific findings and to reinforce national endeavours aimed at mitigating risks associated with antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Ruqaya Aqeel Al Bastaki, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Products Regulation Sector at the Emirates Drug Establishment, emphasised that effective antimicrobial regulation requires a nuanced methodology that evaluates the specific risks posed by individual substances and their implications for treatment priorities across diverse sectors. She noted that scientific evidence constitutes a fundamental pillar in determining the appropriate calibre of regulatory action, enabling the establishment to implement necessary measures when evidence indicates risks demanding intervention.
The establishment remains steadfast in maintaining its regulatory decisions in alignment with contemporary scientific developments and in responding proactively to emerging risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. These endeavours seek to preserve therapeutic effectiveness, strengthen pharmaceutical security, ensure the sustainability of medical products and fortify public health protection.
The prohibition encompasses veterinary medicinal products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin, affecting nine veterinary products comprising eight imported formulations and one domestically registered preparation. Prior to implementation, the establishment has executed the necessary regulatory procedures to identify affected products and materials, and has issued directives to relevant establishments to cease manufacturing, importing and supplying these items, remove existing stocks from the market before the deadline and either re export or appropriately dispose of remaining inventory in accordance with authorised protocols.
The establishment is preparing a comprehensive monitoring framework to evaluate adherence to the decision and ensure timely completion of required procedures by relevant organisations. This initiative reinforces the Emirates Drug Establishment’s broader commitment to strengthening oversight of veterinary medical products, promoting responsible antimicrobial use and supporting national strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance whilst protecting both human and animal wellbeing.
Source: WAM