Veterinary drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim is partnering with two Chinese companies to develop new vaccines formulated to fight foot-and-mouth disease in swine.
The joint venture, announced March 26, launches a company called Shaanxi Meili Omni-Honesty Animal Health Co. Ltd. The $150 million project will lead to a vaccine factory in Xian, China.
“China plays a key role in Boehringer Ingelheim’s global business,” said Hubertus von Baumbach, chairman of Germany-based Boehringer Ingelheim. “With the establishment of Meili Omni-Honesty, we will bring world-class vaccine technology to China.”
The plant is expected to begin production in 2021.
The partner companies are:
- Beijing KangMu Omni-Honesty Animal Health Products Co. Ltd., which “has extensive market channels across the country as well as rich marketing experience,” the announcement stated.
- China Agricultural Vet. Bio. Science and Technology Co. Ltd., which “is approved by the Ministry of Agriculture to produce the full set of vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease.”
“Foot-and-mouth disease in swine is an epidemic that has a significant impact on animal husbandry and food safety,” said Yuan Ximin, chairman of the new company. “It is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate.
“I believe this project will drive transformation and upgrading of China’s animal vaccine industry, and it will also help improve economic benefits for Chinese farmers.”