January 30, 2007

Intervet opens new vaccine production plant

Intervet, the world's largest producer of vaccines for animals, recently opened a new production facility for vaccines in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.

This will strengthen Boxmeer's position as Intervet's largest biological production site as well as incorporating the latest technologies and facilities.

Intervet has several biological production sites, spread in different regions all over the world and the decision to build a new facility in Boxmeer will accommodate the growing demand from the European market.

Intervet relies on three different technologies to produce antigens (the active component in vaccines). These being bacteriological production, production in eggs and tissue culture.

Boxmeer's current facility already produces antigens (bacteriological) via production in fermenters; and the additional facility will allow for tissue culture for virological production.

The new Tissue Culture Boxmeer (TCB) meets the strictest quality requirements and complies with the rules of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

Besides, the technology and facilities are state of the art, said Milson Gondim, manager Tissue Culture Boxmeer.

Last year, Intervet invested in purchasing buildings adjoining its own site and, in late 2006, the biological pilot laboratory was expanded considerably.