May 9, 2007

Merial's Circovac to hit UK market shelves

The PCV2 vaccine Circovac may be commercially available in UK within three to six months as the European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use has granted marketing authorisation for the vaccine.

Circovac, a product of Merial, has been licensed in the US for some time and British livestock producers believe its approval in Europe will have a significant impact in its fight against swine wasting diseases.

The approved indication for the vaccine is:

"Passive immunisation of piglets via the colostrum, after active immunization of sows and gilts, to reduce lesions in lymphoid tissues associated with PCV2 infection and as an aid to reduce PCV2-linked mortality."

The indication means that breeding females follow the recommended Circovac vaccination programme to stimulate their immune systems into producing antibodies. These antibodies are then passed to the progeny via the mother's colostrums wherein the duration of immunity, following transfer to the piglets, is up to five weeks.

The active constituent in Circovac is inactivated type 2 porcine circovirus (PCV2). The virus is believed to be an integral factor in the PMWS (Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome) disease complex.

The vaccine can reduce lesions in lymph tissues, a symptom of the disease and significantly compromises the immune response to infection. It also helps to reduce piglet death rates.

The most common side effect of the vaccine in sows and gilts are slight and transient local reactions which include: swelling and redness at the injection site, and in some cases oedema, which are usually resolved within four days post injection.

Based on the accuracy of data submitted by Merial, European Medicines Agency Committee said Circovac will favourably benefit livestock producers and highly-recommended for European license.