11 April 2003
Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland -March 15, 2003- Bommeli Diagnostics, the diagnostic unit within Akzo Nobels veterinary business Intervet International bv today announced the launch of its new and improved CHEKIT -APP-ApxIV antibody test, a labaratory assay for the detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) specific antibodies in swine serum and plasma samples. The Bommeli Diagnostics enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) is the APP antibody test based on the recombinant and patent protected ApxIV toxin. The new test version has been improved as far as diagnostic specificity and sensitivity is concerned. It is the only assay specifically detecting APP antibodies and allowing differentiation between infected animals and not infected animals vaccinated with the proven Porcilis® APP vaccine. Both tools represent a unique approach to control pleuropneumonia, one of the most devastating respiratory diseases in the swine industry.
Bommeli Diagnostics (www. Bommeli.com) is one of the leading companies in the centralized veterinary diagnostic market offering a complete product range for the control of the most important disease in livestock. Bommeli Diagnostics and Intervet together are offering complete solutions for the control of all major diseases.
Notes tor the editor
Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2002 totaled EUR 14 billion. The Company currently employs over 68,000 people in more than 80 countries. Financial results for the first quarter will be published on April 16, 2003.
Intervet, a business unit of Akzo Nobel, headquartered in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, with sales in 2002 of EUR 1 ,081 million, is focused on the research and development, manufacturing and marketing of veterinary products. Products include vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases, anti-infectives, antiparasitics, feed additives, products for fertility management and veterinary diagnostics. All of these products are intended for use in a variety of animal species, including poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, fish and companion animals. Intervet operates globally through its own marketing organizations. The company currently employs around 5,000 people.
DR. BOMMELI AG, Stationsstrasse 12, CH-3097 Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland, Tel. +41 31 9706260, +41 31 9706267, www.bommeli.com
