First Companion Animal Vaccine to Use Transdermal Vaccination System
January 5, 2005
Duluth, Ga., — Merial, a world-leading animal health company, announces the introduction of a new, non-adjuvanted feline leukemia vaccine to its PUREVAX® line of vaccines. PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine is the first non-adjuvanted, USDA-approved, feline leukemia vaccine that offers the enhanced immune response of the VET JET™ transdermal vaccination system and advanced recombinant vaccine technology.1
"The non-adjuvanted composition of PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine reduces the risks associated with adjuvants, such as chronic inflammation and vaccine reactions," says Zack Mills, DVM, executive director of Merial CAGE Veterinary Services, North America. "Although transdermal technology is used in human medicine, Merial is the first to introduce the transdermal vaccination system to companion animal veterinarians."
This new feline leukemia vaccine uses the VET JET transdermal vaccination system to target presentation of vaccine in the dermis, subcutaneous layer and muscle tissues, allowing rapid and comprehensive immunity.
"The VET JET transdermal vaccination system creates a dispersion pattern that deposits vaccine directly into the immune cell rich layers of tissue without using a needle," says Mills. "The broad dispersion enhances the immune response through activation of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity in tissues traditionally bypassed with needle injections. This rapid, targeted presentation of the protective antigen elicits a safe and protective immune response with a low dose of vaccine."
As an added benefit, PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine employs canarypox-vectored vaccine technology. This allows the vaccine to mimic natural infection, while taking advantage of the cat's entire immune system and prompting a broad humoral and cell-mediated response.
Merial is a leader in recombinant, canarypox vector technology, including the provision of recombinant vaccines for feline, canine, equine and exotic animals.
Transdermal technology has been successfully used for years in human medicine for the administration of insulin and most recently for human influenza vaccine. For more information on PUREVAX Recombinant Leukemia vaccine or the VET JET transdermal vaccination system, please see www.MERIAL.com or call 1-888-MERIAL1.
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1Data
on file at Merial.
®PUREVAX is a registered trademark and VETJET is a trademark
of Merial Limited.
©2004 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights
reserved.
For further information please contact:
Kelle M. Straw
678-638-3690
kelle.straw@merial.com
Josh Krenz
262-784-7200
jkrenz@bader-rutter.com
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 6,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2003 sales were in excess of $1.8 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and Aventis, part of the sanofi-aventis Group. For more information, please see www.merial.com.
