Russian pharmaceutical company “PROMOMED — Animal Health” has announced the registration and launch of full-cycle production of a new analgesic drug for cats, “Flexonorm®”, filling the market niche following the withdrawal of the original drug Onsior™. Production has been established at the facilities of the “Biokhimik” plant. The group’s total investment in the veterinary sector has already exceeded 500 million rubles.
Solving the Deficit Problem
According to the PROMOMED press service, the introduction of the new drug is intended to solve the acute problem of the shortage of safe and effective medicines for pain control in small domestic animals.
“Flexonorm® Cat” (active ingredient — robenacoxib) is a highly selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is designed for rapid pain relief and reduction of inflammation in cases of trauma, joint diseases, and during the postoperative period. The drug is characterized by a high safety profile and a convenient dosage form (tablets with dosage based on weight).
“Big Pharma” Experience and Export Potential
The creation of the drug was the result of a collaboration between industry and science: scientists from the Don State Technical University (DSTU), JSC “R&D Center “DOM PHARMACY”, and VGNKI participated in the development.
“The registration of Flexonorm® Cat is an important step for the entire Russian veterinary sector. We are not just localizing production, but creating our own modern solutions… Production is carried out at a modern pharmaceutical enterprise, the ‘Biokhimik’ plant, which possesses vast practical experience in developing and creating medicinal products for humans.
The Certificate of Conformity to GMP requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union for the production of various forms of veterinary medicinal products guarantees the highest level of quality control at all stages: from raw materials to finished packaging. Our drug is designed to ensure the availability of high-quality analgesic therapy for cats across Russia and can be supplied abroad.”
— Sergey Lvov, Executive Director of “PROMOMED — Animal Health”
Investments and Portfolio Expansion
According to “Vedomosti”, the company registered a specialized division in 2024 and began producing the first drugs at the end of last year.
In addition to the analgesic “Flexonorm”, the company has started producing the antibiotic “Amclav Vet” for cats and dogs (treatment of infections of the respiratory and urogenital systems, gastrointestinal tract, and skin). A company representative confirmed that investments in the veterinary sector amounted to over 500 million rubles. Plans for 2026 include the launch of a section for the production of chewable tablets.
Market Context
The release of Russian robenacoxib is critically important for the market. According to RNC Pharma data, until 2024, 100% of this niche was occupied by the drug “Onsior”, official imports of which ceased in June 2024. Despite the appearance of analogues, sales volume in this segment has recovered to only 50% of the 2023 level.
At the same time, the market itself is growing: in the first 11 months of 2025, sales of veterinary oral NSAIDs amounted to 1.1 billion rubles (+10% year-on-year).
