Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has joined hands with Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Bangladesh’s largest pharmaceutical company, to introduce AFTOVAXPUR®, an advanced FMD vaccine for ruminants in Bangladesh, a press release said Tuesday.
This collaboration addresses the urgent need for a vital solution to combat the recurring outbreaks of FMD and safeguard livestock health and bolster the livelihoods of farmers across Bangladesh.
The inauguration ceremony, held recently at The Westin Dhaka, brought together esteemed dignitaries, and thought leaders including government officials, policy makers, industry experts, and academicians from Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Directorate General of Drug Administration, and Department of Livestock Services. Scientists from the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute and the Clinical Research Organization were also present and expressed their views on the pressing need for effective FMD control strategies in Bangladesh. The collaborative efforts between Boehringer Ingelheim and Square Pharmaceuticals were lauded for their potential to drive positive change and enhance the resilience of Bangladesh’s agricultural industry.
The launch event featured notable speakers, including Prof. Dr. Nitish Chandra Debnath, former Vice-Chancellor of CVASU and National Coordinator of One Health, Bangladesh, who highlighted the clinical significance of FMD vaccination and its role in ensuring immunity and preventing viral shedding.
Following the launch ceremony, Dr. Nicolas Denormandie, DVM, Technical Director, Scientific Service & Middle East/ Africa/ LATAM Support, VeterinaryPublic Health, Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr. Mohamed Alnahrawy, Technical and Marketing Manager, IMETA Ruminants and VeterinaryPublic Health, Boehringer Ingelheim conducted a product insights session on AFTOVAXPUR®. This comprehensive training session was aimed at equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the vaccine effectively.
Livestock production plays a vital role in Bangladesh’, providing valuable income and savings for millions of farmers, particularly in rural areas. However, FMD outbreaks pose a significant threat to animal health and production, exacerbating economic vulnerabilities and hindering agricultural development. Annually, the country suffers an estimated loss of approximately US $125 million due to FMD. Vaccination is recognized as one of the most effective strategies for preventing FMD infection. The urgency for safe and effective vaccines has become paramount due to the high mutation rate of the FMD virus.
Developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, AFTOVAXPUR® benefits from Square Pharmaceuticals’ extensive infrastructure and sophisticated cold chain system. This ensures the maintenance of optimal temperature conditions (2-8°C) during storage and transportation, guaranteeing the quality and maximum efficacy of the vaccine.
Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, expressed, “We are excited to announce the launch of AFTOVAXPUR®, a highly anticipated FMD vaccine that promises to revolutionize livestock health in Bangladesh. Our partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions for the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. We are confident that our combined efforts will yield positive outcomes for farmers and livestock alike.”
“FMD poses a major threat to livestock and the livelihoods of farmers in Bangladesh, and there is a significant unmet need for safe and reliable vaccines to combat this outbreak,” said Dr. Vinod Gopal, Head – Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim India& BNS. “With AFTOVAXPUR®, we aim to leverage Boehringer Ingelheim’s expertise and legacy in controlling and eradicating FMD, in tandem with Square Pharmaceuticals’ unrivalled presence in the veterinary public health sector. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing animal health and welfare globally.”
This initiative represents a significant milestone in the fight against FMD and reflects the commitment of both companies to support the livestock community and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Bangladesh.
