Phibro earns FDA approval for new aquaculture antibiotic amid rising financial momentum

USA – Phibro Animal Health Corporation has received a key approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new broad-spectrum antibiotic, Paqflor, for use in freshwater-reared fish species, further solidifying the company’s position in the fast-growing aquaculture sector.

Announced this week, the FDA approval clears Paqflor, a 50% florfenicol premix, for use in salmonids, catfish, and tilapia. 

The product is designed to help control multiple bacterial diseases prevalent in freshwater aquaculture, including furunculosis, coldwater disease, columnaris, enteric septicaemia, and streptococcal septicaemia.

“We are excited to further support the US aquaculture industry’s efforts to reach its production and sustainability goals by bringing to market a proven, cost-effective, florfenicol antimicrobial product,” said Mike Brown, Phibro’s vice-president of mineral nutrition and aqua in North America. 

He added that by bringing Paqflor to market, Phibro is giving producers more health management options.

“We share our customers’ commitment to improving productivity through good health management practices.”

Paqflor is administered at a rate of 10 to 15 mg/kg of fish body weight daily over a 10-day period, offering flexibility and efficacy in managing disease across a range of warm and coldwater fish species.

“Having a new aquaculture product in the US allows Phibro to continue our mission of providing safe and effective solutions for our customers’ unique health challenges,” said Todd Armstrong, Phibro’s president in North America.

Strong financial momentum expected to fuel growth 

The product launch coincides with a strong financial performance for the New Jersey-headquartered firm. 

In February, Phibro reported second-quarter results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, showing a 24% increase in net sales to US$309.3 million compared to the same quarter the previous year. 

Net income rose to US$3.2 million, while adjusted EBITDA climbed by 64% to US$48.2 million.

“Phibro has achieved exceptional results this quarter, fueled by robust demand in our Animal Health segment and the successful integration of the Zoetis Medicated Feed Additive (MFA) portfolio,” said Jack Bendheim, President and Chief Executive Officer. 

“Our impressive 24% revenue growth and notable enhancement in profitability underscore the strength of our diverse product offerings, our commitment to operational excellence across all segments, and our dedication to delivering essential solutions to customers worldwide.”

Looking ahead, the company expects full-year sales between US$1.25 billion and US$1.30 billion, with adjusted EBITDA forecasted between US$172 million and US$ 180 million.

“The momentum we’ve established positions us favourably for the remainder of fiscal 2025 and beyond,” Bendheim added. 

“We are optimistic about our capability to foster sustainable growth and create value through our Phibro Forward initiative, strategic investments in innovation, targeted portfolio expansion, and disciplined financial management.”

Phibro will release its third-quarter financial results after market close on May 7, 2025. A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will take place the following morning, May 8, at 9:00 a.m. ET. 

Interested parties can access the call at https://investors.pahc.com or dial in using conference ID 3927884. A replay will be available two hours after the live broadcast.

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