Intervet opens new vaccine plant

THE NETHERLANDS – Intervet, the world’s largest producer of vaccines for animals, has just opened a new production facility for vaccines in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.

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):

1. Bacteriological production
2. Production in eggs
3. 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.

ThePigSite News Desk

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