29 January 2007
Intervet, the world’s largest producer of vaccines for animals, will open a production facility for vaccines in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, today. This will strengthen Boxmeer’s position as Intervet’s largest biological production site as well as incorporating the latest technologies and facilities.
Intervet has several biological production sites, spread in different regions all over the world and the decision to build a new facility in Boxmeer will accommodate the growing demand from the European market.
Intervet uses three different technologies to produce antigens (the active component in vaccines): Bacteriological production, production in eggs, and tissue culture. Boxmeer’s current facility already produces antigens (bacteriological) via production in fermenters; and the additional facility will allow for tissue culture for virological production. This method is preferable to production than the eggs process, as it is far less labor extensive, possible to control and monitor the production the parameters and then poses less of a risk of production problems.
The new Tissue Culture Boxmeer (TCB) meets the strictest quality requirements and fully complies with all the rules of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Furthermore, the clean rooms in the building are highly sophisticated and the technical installations are top-quality. The fully integrated new hydrogen peroxide disinfection system is very effective and easier to use than methods previously used.
“The technology and facilities are state of the art. Moreover the staff will be the key to the success of TCB”, said Milson Gondim, manager Tissue Culture Boxmeer. “That is why we pay a great deal of attention to the composition of the team and invest heavily in an intensive development program. We are also working closely together with R&D and colleagues from other production sites.”
This development is one of a number of investments at the Boxmeer site. Last year, Intervet purchased buildings adjoining its own site and, in late 2006, the biological pilot laboratory was expanded considerably. The primary task of this laboratory is to upscale virological products that are developed in the research department from laboratory volume to production volume.
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Note for the editor
Intervet, a business unit of Akzo Nobel, based in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, with sales of EUR 1,094 million in 2005, is dedicated to research and development, production and marketing of innovative animal health products. Intervet's product range for use in livestock, companion animals, poultry and fish includes vaccines, antiparasitics, anti-infectives, endocrine products and other pharmaceutical specialties. Intervet operates globally with its own marketing organizations. The company currently employs around 5,000 people.
Internet: www.intervet.com
Akzo Nobel is a Global Fortune 500 company and is listed on both the Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ stock exchanges. It is also included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and FTSE4Good Index. Based in the Netherlands, we are a multicultural organization serving customers throughout the world with human and animal healthcare products, coatings, and chemicals. We employ more than 62,000 people and conduct our activities in four segments − human and animal health, coatings and chemicals − subdivided into 13 business units, with operating subsidiaries in more than 80 countries. Consolidated revenues for 2005 totaled EUR 13.0 billion. The financial results for the full year will be published on February 15, 2007.
Internet: www.akzonobel.com
Not for publication – for more information
Suzanne Hendriksen Tel: +31 (0)485 58 7893
Media Relations Officer Fax: +31 (0)485 58 5392
Intervet International bv suzanne.hendriksen@intervet.com
