Prionics acquires Pfizer Animal Health's diagnostic products: Promising products for the Swiss success company
Zurich (ots)
Prionics AG, the world leader in prion diagnostics and Pfizer Animal Health, the world's leading animal health company, agreed today that Prionics will acquire Pfizer Animal Health's diagnostic products. Terms were not disclosed.
The product line includes tests for the detection of Bovine tuberculosis (Bovigam®) and Paratuberculosis (Parachek®) in animals raised as a food source. Both diseases cause major economic damage to the farm industry and also have implications to human health.
Bovigam® and Parachek® are among the leading products in their field with significant shares in existing markets and an attractive potential for the development of new markets. "With this expansion of our product portfolio, we are confident that we're well positioned to further grow sustainably in the farm animal diagnostics business", says Ernst Zollinger, Head of Marketing & Sales at Prionics.
Prionics will fully integrate the diagnostic tests into its product portfolio through a one year transition phase to ensure a smooth changeover. "We are confident, that our new clients will profit from Prionics' specialized customer service. We will contact these customers directly to inform them about the planned steps", explains Zollinger. "Moreover, we intend to use our innovative development know-how to further improve the two tests in order to offer our clients even better solutions."
Tuberculosis and Paratuberculosis
Bovine tuberculosis and Paratuberculosis are major farm animal diseases that cause severe economic damage in breeding stock, milk and meat producing animals worldwide with severe implications to human health. Diagnostic tests for Bovine tuberculosis and Paratuberculosis can help to reduce the risk of infection in humans as well as contribute to targeted eradication and control of these diseases.
Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). Bovine TB primarily affects cattle, however, other animals may become infected. Disease due to M. bovis in animals most often occurs in the lungs but may also occur in the intestines and other parts of the body. M. bovis is transmitted to humans primarily through consumption of raw milk or dairy products but can also be transmitted through the respiratory route.
Paratuberculosis leads to Johne's Disease in cattle, goat and wild animals and has been implicated as a causal agent for Crohn's Disease in humans - a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
About Prionics
The world market leader for rapid prion testing was founded in 1997 as a spin-off from the University of Zurich. Prionics carries out research and development in diagnostics for prion diseases (such as BSE) and other zoonotic diseases. The recipient of the Swiss Economic Award 2002 as "Company of the year" and winner of the European Biotech Award 2004 for Excellence in Biotech Business is driving its business through a combination of outstanding research, high-quality products and new marketing concepts.
For more information please visit www.prionics.com
Contact:
Stephanie Musshafen
Director of Corporate Communications
Tel. +41/44/200'20'95
E-Mail: press.relations@prionics.ch