April 19, 2013

Benchmark Biolabs, Agrilabs collaborate to launch Vaxliant

Benchmark Biolabs and Agrilabs set up a joint venture to form VaxLiantâ„¢ designed to modernise how vaccines deliver antigens to prevent disease.

VaxLiant offers a portfolio of ready-to-use and customisable adjuvants, and technical and marketing expertise, to help streamline the vaccine-development process. This new company is headquartered at Benchmark Biolabs' facilities in Lincoln, and will tap into the experience of employees from both parent companies.

"What this means is that vaccine companies now have access to several readily available adjuvants that provide never-seen-before flexibility in delivering antigens at a competitive price," says Steve Schram, VaxLiant co-founder and AgriLabs chief executive officer. "VaxLiant is also developing a line of customisable adjuvants that ultimately will enable companies of all sizes to provide vaccines that can meet specific needs of veterinarians and farmers."

VaxLiant's unique antigen - delivery formulations can be used to improve immune response and deliver novel technologies as scientists look for new ways to manage highly contagious trans-boundary diseases, as well as to enhance vaccines used in conventional animal-health programmes. Vaccine manufacturers also can use VaxLiant adjuvants to develop next-generation biologics or enhance current vaccines; to differentiate vaccines by immune response and value; to bring vaccines to market more quickly; or to help lower the cost of producing vaccines.

"We believe customers will find two distinct differences as they consider how VaxLiant can help them improve their own vaccines," says Tim Miller, president and chief science officer of Benchmark Biolabs, and VaxLiant co-founder.

Although VaxLiant itself is new, the scientists and marketing specialists who work for the joint venture collectively represent more than 100 years of experience in developing and marketing vaccines. From day one, these experts will help vaccine manufacturers benefit from VaxLiant's portfolio of 15 ENABLTM ready-to-use adjuvants developed specifically for use in cattle, pigs and poultry, and its fully customisable BiomizeTM antigen-delivery systems.

VaxLiant is a joint venture between two established companies: Benchmark Biolabs, Lincoln, Neb., which has more than 16 years of history providing streamlined research-to-commercialisation services, and AgriLabs, St. Joseph, Mo., a leader in marketing vaccines, nutritionals and other animal-health products for more than 25 years.