15 December 2005
Clostridial bacteria produce toxins that cause a range of diseases in animals. Vaccines against these diseases are often developed from the toxins themselves.
The production of clostridial vaccines involves the chemical treatment of toxins, which destroys their toxic properties, producing a harmless form of the material known as a toxoid. The administration of toxoids in veterinary vaccines stimulates the production of antibodies that neutralize clostridial toxins in treated animals, protecting them against disease.
Intervet produces a wide range of clostridial toxins and toxoids. In order to meet regulatory requirements and ensure consistent vaccine quality, the amounts of toxins and toxoids must be measured during the manufacturing process. This currently involves the use of animals, but Intervet is investigating alternative approaches. The aim of this project, which is being undertaken at the company's site in Milton Keynes (UK), is to reduce or even completely replace in vivo testing through the development of in vitro assays capable of quantifying toxins and toxoids.
This project matches perfectly the goals of the global '3Rs' initiative, which seeks to Replace, Refine and Reduce the use of animals in research, and has been awarded a €150,000 grant by the UK National Centre (NC3Rs) set up to oversee the initiative. Project manager and NC3Rs principal investigator Keith Redhead says: "It is very satisfying to be performing scientific research that is challenging and rewarding, while knowing at the same time that the end results will contribute to genuine improvements in animal welfare." Sonya Pandya, who is also involved in the project, adds: "The work we do here is in a very worthwhile cause, pushing the company towards new frontiers of science. Other companies should look to Intervet for inspiration and proof that we can change things for the better."
Intervet is a dedicated supporter of the 3Rs scheme, and also supports initiatives by third parties in this field through its Dieter Lütticken Award. Worth € 20,000, the award is bestowed on scientists or institutions that have delivered major contributions to the 3Rs in the development and manufacture of veterinary medicines.
