Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health celebrates 20 years of PRRS control and innovation
• PRRS: Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome
• PRRS infects pigs around the globe with devastating consequences
• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health will continue intensive research and development in the field of PRRS
Costs and losses due to PRRS were a major concern to swine farmers when Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health launched Ingelvac® PRRS MLV vaccine in 1994. The vaccine was first introduced to US veterinarians in August of that year and was soon made available internationally.
The vaccine’s two decades of outstanding success in combating PRRS is only one part of the anniversary in 2014. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is also celebrating 20 years of highly productive collaborations with swine farmers, veterinarians and researchers around the world to manage this major pig disease.
Senior Vice Presiden
t of Animal Health
at Boehringer Ingelheim
“The journey over the last 20 years has given us the opportunity to work on consolidating our knowledge about PRRS as well as maximizing the use of our vaccine as one of the key tools for controlling the disease,” states George Heidgerken, Senior Vice President of Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are proud of the fact that in the 20 years since we launched Ingelvac® PRRS MLV vaccine, we have been instrumental in funding and supporting research into the PRRS virus and limiting its effects in pigs. Out of this sustained work the global pig industry has gained practical and reliable ways of managing the threat of PRRS at farm level.”
Supported by the results of international research regarding virus persistence and disease transmission, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health also strives to find solutions beyond the vaccine bottle through the creation of a systematic process for PRRS control. In the future, the company will continue to work with its customers in the pig industry in an effort to find ways to overcome the virus in all its forms.
Today, Ingelvac® PRRS MLV is the global market leader in the segment of PRRS vaccines. The vaccine has a strong worldwide presence, from North America to Europe and Asia.
Boehringer Ingelheim
The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 142 affiliates and more than 47,400 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.
Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim's culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavors.
In 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about 14.1 billion euro, of which 19.5% of the net sales from our Prescription Medicine business is invested into research and development.
For further information, please contact:
Esta Keywood
Communications Manager
Boehringer Ingelheim Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1344 742534
esta.keywood@boehringer-ingelheim.com