Pfizer to Acquire Genomics Companies
NEW YORK, US - Pfizer Animal Health is set to acquire two market-leading livestock genomics companies: Catapult Genetics and Bovigen.
19 March 2008
3 minute read
Catapult Genetics is focused on developing innovative livestock DNA tests and gene markers that can be brought to the market to assist global food producers, processors and retailers improve profitability and quality in the global food chain
Bovigen markets DNA technology, including Catapult’s products in the US and throughout Canada, Central America and South America.
Terms of the agreements have not yet been disclosed, but the acquisitions are expected to close by the end of this month. The two companies will continue to market products and services to their own customers as well as Pfizer Animal Health customers.
“This is a strategic initiative that places Pfizer at the forefront of livestock gene marker R&D and enhances Pfizer’s ability to offer more complete solutions to global livestock producers,” said Juan Ramon Alaix, president, Pfizer Animal Health.
“Catapult’s ongoing product R&D is based on core technology platforms developed in collaboration with research groups in Australia and New Zealand,” said Gerard Davis, chief executive officer, Catapult Genetics.
With Pfizer’s added resources and capabilities, he expects livestock producers to see an enhanced range of genetic tools in the near future.
Pfizer will continue to access and draw on the best R&D from Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Europe. As novel marker panels are discovered and developed, Pfizer plans to introduce new products and services to livestock producers.
Bovigen markets DNA technology, including Catapult’s products in the US and throughout Canada, Central America and South America.
Terms of the agreements have not yet been disclosed, but the acquisitions are expected to close by the end of this month. The two companies will continue to market products and services to their own customers as well as Pfizer Animal Health customers.
“This is a strategic initiative that places Pfizer at the forefront of livestock gene marker R&D and enhances Pfizer’s ability to offer more complete solutions to global livestock producers,” said Juan Ramon Alaix, president, Pfizer Animal Health.
Predictive Possibilities
Current genetic tests are focused on productivity and carcass quality, while future genetic tests may one day allow producers to better predict disease in individual animals, thus helping veterinarians and producers target medicines to livestock that need it most, said Alaix.“Catapult’s ongoing product R&D is based on core technology platforms developed in collaboration with research groups in Australia and New Zealand,” said Gerard Davis, chief executive officer, Catapult Genetics.
With Pfizer’s added resources and capabilities, he expects livestock producers to see an enhanced range of genetic tools in the near future.
Pfizer will continue to access and draw on the best R&D from Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Europe. As novel marker panels are discovered and developed, Pfizer plans to introduce new products and services to livestock producers.
