GREENFIELD, Ind., June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Elanco Animal
Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), announces
the opening of a state-of-the-art Vaccines Innovation Center whose
intentional design will enable scientists to address some of animal
health's most pressing issues.
Half of the 48,000 sq. foot space comprises an open concept
collaboration environment intentionally designed to encourage
scientific interaction. The remaining floor area houses an
integrated laboratory space equipped with the very latest
technology in the fields of immunology, molecular biology and
microbiology. The Vaccines Innovation Center is the global
centerpiece of the Elanco vaccines R&D model and one of its
unique features is a self-contained master seed suite. Master seeds
are the critical starting materials for any vaccine, and must be
prepared with great stringency. The Vaccines Innovation
Center's specialized suite comprises three distinct, access
restricted zones with dedicated air handling and single pass
personnel flow to optimize biosecurity. Seeds laid down in this
suite will provide the critical starting materials for production
of vaccines throughout Elanco's global manufacturing network.
"From foundation to roof, this new building creates an
environment for innovation," said Aaron
Schacht, Vice President of Elanco Research and Development.
"Our scientists will use leading approaches to develop vaccine
products that address key needs for the health of animals,
including innovative alternatives to antibiotics."
Elanco scientists working within the labs will tackle several
important fields of research, one of which is finding alternatives
to antibiotics used in food animals. Two near-term projects involve
exploring vaccines for salmonella - which is estimated to cause one
million foodborne illnesses in the United
Statesi and roughly 82,000 in the
EUii annually - and bovine respiratory disease, which
affects 3 in 4 cattle.iii
Work being conducted in the Vaccines Innovation Center is a
tangible result of Elanco's eight–point antibiotic stewardship
plan, which was rolled out last June. The multifaceted plan is an
aggressive means to safeguard antibiotics for future generations
while protecting animal well-being.
"The Vaccines Innovation Center underscores our commitment to
invest in innovation, bringing new antibiotic alternatives to
market," said Jeff Simmons,
President, Elanco Animal Health. "We've pledged at least two-thirds
of our food animal research budget to development projects that
address diseases where there are few, or no, alternatives to
shared-class antibiotics. We are truly going where the unmet need
is, where our customers and the animals they care for need the most
help."
Beyond antibiotic alternatives, the center will also house
research into several companion animal vaccines, including the
exploration of more "patient friendly" delivery technologies, which
could make annual vaccinations easier for both the pets and the
veterinarians who care for them.
About Elanco
Elanco provides comprehensive
products and knowledge services to improve animal health and
food-animal production in more than 70 countries around the world.
We value innovation, both in scientific research and daily
operations, and strive to cultivate a collaborative work
environment for more than 6,500 employees worldwide. Together with
our customers, we are committed to raising awareness about global
food security, and celebrating and supporting the human-animal
bond. Founded in 1954, Elanco is a division of Eli Lilly and
Company. Our worldwide headquarters and research facilities are
located in Greenfield, Indiana.
Visit us at Elanco.com and EnoughMovement.com.
i
http://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/PDFs/pathogens-complete-list-01-12.pdf
ii EFSA Journal 2015;13(1):3991
iii Wittum, T.E., N.E.
Woolen, L.J. Perino, and
E.T. Littledike 1996. "Relationships
among treatment for respiratory tract disease, pulmonary lesions
evident at slaughter and rate of weight gain in feedlot cattle." J.
Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 209:814–818.8756886
Media Contact:
Keri McGrath
Happe
(317) 370-8394
mcgrath_happeks@elanco.com
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SOURCE Elanco