Press release issued on September 24, 2025

Virbac introduces world-first medicated feed for cats: a groundbreaking innovation from the french animal health industry

Carros, France - September 24, 2025.

Virbac, a French veterinary pharmaceutical laboratory, announces the European launch of Vikaly, the world's first medicated feed for cats. This breakthrough innovation creates a new therapeutic approach for companion animals, facilitating administration and improving treatment follow-up.

An unprecedented therapeutic innovation

Virbac now offers European professionals and owners the world's first medicated cat food: a homogeneous mixture of renal kibble and a veterinary drug subject to marketing authorization.

• Mandatory veterinary prescription after a clinical examination
• Produced in a factory approved for the manufacture of medicated feed
• Distribution in compliance with the requirements of European Regulation 2019/4

"The story began more than fifteen 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. Today, we are proud to see this vision become a reality with the launch of the world's first medicated pet food" says Bertrand Havrileck, Group R&D Director.

The result of several years of research, Vikaly inaugurates a new regulatory category in Europe and confirms Virbac's position as an innovative French industrialist, serving a more integrated animal health. Entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in France, at the Carros (Alpes-Maritimes) and Vauvert (Gard) sites, this project also illustrates the capacity of the French veterinary industry to innovate, produce, and export globally.

"With this solution, Virbac aims to sustainably evolve care protocols in veterinary medicine, while contributing to the well-being of companion animals", says Nathalie Pollet, Global Marketing Director and member of the Group Management Committee.

A French industrial and scientific success story

This world first is based on the unique combination of Virbac's two historical expertises: pharmacy and veterinary nutrition. For nearly 60 years, the group has been developing therapeutic solutions adapted to the needs of companion animals worldwide and has made nutrition a pillar of its integrated approach to animal health.

The proprietary manufacturing process ensures the homogeneous integration, stability, safety, and efficacy of the drug within the food. The development of Vikaly required several years of collaboration between R&D, galenic, industrial, and regulatory teams. Designed, tested, and manufactured in France, Vikaly illustrates Virbac's ability to anticipate market changes by combining pharmaceutical rigor and nutritional requirements.

The manufacture of medicated feed is a complex technical process: precise dosing of medicinal ingredients, mixing and coating at ambient temperature, and multiple controls. Thanks to an innovative spraying technology, each kibble is homogeneously coated with the active ingredient, ensuring that each bite contains the correct dose of medication.

The medicated premix is produced in Carros (Alpes-Maritimes), the historic headquarters and center of expertise in animal health. Its incorporation into the food is carried out by the Vauvert (Gard) site, specialized in animal nutrition. This 100% localized model in France illustrates Virbac's mastery of the entire value chain, from formulation to distribution.

Virbac, a French industrial player with global reach

Founded in 1968 by veterinarian Pierre-Richard Dick, Virbac is a French pharmaceutical laboratory dedicated exclusively to animal health. Listed on the stock exchange since 1985, the Group employs more than 6,400 people worldwide and markets its products in over 100 countries. It currently ranks 6th globally in the sector, with a turnover of 1.397 billion euros in 2024.

R&D is at the heart of the Virbac model: 8.6% of turnover is reinvested in innovation, with centers on five continents and an organization by the animal sector. This ability to innovate and industrialize locally differentiated animal health solutions makes Virbac a unique player, capable of reconciling industrial sovereignty, scientific excellence, and international influence.

Virbac's purpose: advancing animal health with those who care for them every day, for all to live better together.

About Virbac: caring for animals together

At Virbac, we are constantly exploring new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the majority of animal pathologies. We develop care, hygiene and nutrition products to offer complete solutions to veterinarians, farmers and pet owners around the world. Our purpose: advancing the health of animals with those who care for them every day, so we can all live better together.

Press contact - Agence Libremullenlowe

Julie Adam  - j.adam-externe@libremullenlowe.fr - 07 86 82 60 61 
Melina Constantinidis - c.constantinidis@libremullenlowe.fr - 07 63 18 97 34