Autogenous biologics guidelines amended

The Executive Board in April approved important revisions to the AVMA Guidelines for Autogenous Biologics.

The Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents recommended the revisions to heighten awareness that autogenous products are evaluated for purity and safety but not for potency and efficacy. Traditional, commercially available, licensed biologics are evaluated for all four characteristics.

Also, autogenous biologics are licensed only if produced in a USDA-licensed facility. Autogenous biologics produced by a veterinarian within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, but outside a licensed facility, are unlicensed.

Autogenous biologics, licensed or unlicensed, should be used only when USDA-licensed, nonautogenous products are not available or are not effective.

The Guidelines for Autogenous Biologics are posted on the AVMA Web site (www.avma.org) in the Resource Center of the AVMA Member Center or can be requested from the AVMA Division of Scientific Activities.