June 14, 2023

Medgene receives USDA approval for platform vaccines in cattle industry

The USDA Centre for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has granted Medgene, an animal health company, the licensure to produce and distribute a specific category of USDA-approved vaccines called "platform vaccines" for the cattle industry, DVM360 reported.

These vaccines, including influenza D, coronavirus, rotavirus, and papillomavirus, will be made available to licensed veterinarians, according to the company's announcement.

Medgene's vaccines utilise USDA-approved "platform technology" guidelines, which ensure safety and allow for adaptation to various animal disease targets. This approach enables the development of vaccines and enhances understanding of how diseases spread across species and geographies in a significantly shorter timeframe compared to traditional vaccine methods.

The pivotal work on Platform Vaccine technology began in 2010, led by Alan Young, PhD, chief technology officer at Medgene. Highlighting the advancements in vaccine development, Young said that by focusing on the unique genetic components that differ, they can create far more efficient vaccines.

Medgene announced its receipt of USDA licensure on June 9, 2023, during an event held at Iowa State University's Research Park facility in Ames, Iowa. Mark Luecke, chief executive officer of Medgene, said that bringing Platform Vaccines to the market has been a team effort.

He said that from government regulatory bodies to university research institutions to the exceptional team at Medgene, Platform Vaccines stand as a historic example of teamwork dedicated to improving animal health.

-      DVM360