Zoetis recently received approval for a swine vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). The vaccine is the first such product from a joint venture created to develop and manufacture animal vaccines in China.
The drug, Rui Lan An, is a specialized vaccine to help control PRSS, which is highly pathogenic. China's Ministry of Agriculture approved the vaccine, and Zoetis plans to launch the product in late August. China is the world's leading pork producer, recording an annual population of 685 million pigs in 2012. China's animal health industry is valued at $1.8 billion, with forecast growth of 9.3 percent over the next five years.
“Our innovation starts with our customers and an understanding of their everyday animal health challenges. Rui Lan An exemplifies the commitment of our joint venture to develop and manufacture quality vaccines well matched to the local health challenges facing China’s pork industry,” said Stefan Weiskopf, executive vice president and president, Asia Pacific Region at Zoetis. “The vaccine represents our commitment to help assure a safe, sustainable food supply from healthy food production animals through global scientific expertise and local innovation. It is a key milestone for Zoetis’ business in China.”
Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health, specializes in veterinary vaccines and medicines for both farm and companion animals. The company reported revenues of $4.3 billion in 2012 and has 9,300 employees worldwide.
