Gene Marker Technology to Support Global Livestock Producers
Pfizer Animal Health today announced it will acquire two market-leading
livestock genomics companies:
Catapult Genetics, Pty., Ltd., focused on developing and commercializing
innovative livestock DNA tests and gene markers to assist global food
producers, processors and retailers in improving profitability and
quality in the global food chain; and
Bovigen, LLC, which markets DNA technology, including Catapult’s
products in the U.S. and throughout Canada, Central America and South
America.
Terms of the agreements were not disclosed. The acquisitions are
expected to close by the end of this month. The two companies will
continue to market products and services to their own customers as well
as Pfizer Animal Health customers.
“This is a strategic initiative that places Pfizer at the forefront of
livestock gene marker R&D and enhances Pfizer’s ability to offer more
complete solutions to global livestock producers,” said Juan Ramon
Alaix, president, Pfizer Animal Health.
Current genetic tests are focused on productivity and carcass quality,
while future genetic tests may one day allow producers to better predict
disease in individual animals, thus helping veterinarians and producers
target medicines to livestock that need it most, Alaix said.
“Catapult’s ongoing product R&D is based on core technology platforms
developed in collaboration with research groups in Australia and New
Zealand,” said Gerard Davis, chief executive officer, Catapult Genetics.
“Now with Pfizer’s added resources and capabilities, we expect livestock
producers will begin to see an enhanced range of genetic tools. For
sheep and beef cattle producers in Australia and New Zealand there will
be benefits from a continued focus on their needs as well as access to
new and improved products,” Davis said.
Pfizer will continue to access and draw on the best R&D from Australia,
New Zealand, the U.S., and Europe. As novel marker panels are discovered
and developed, Pfizer plans to introduce new products and services to
livestock producers.
Expanded Support to Beef Producers
“In the U.S., Pfizer also will be able to enhance the development and
uptake of new genetic markers identified through Bovigen’s participation
in The Carcass Merit Project with Texas A&M University and the National
Cattlemen’s Beef Association. This project, partially funded by the Beef
Checkoff Program, is designed to generate new and important markers for
U.S. cattle producers,” said Victor Castellon, chief executive officer,
Bovigen.
“DNA markers allow beef producers to make better management decisions,
to improve the quality of their herd by selecting animals with certain
high-valued genetic traits, and to create a long-term, positive economic
impact for their business,” said Nigel Evans, senior director of
business innovation for Pfizer Animal Health, who will lead the Catapult
and Bovigen businesses for Pfizer.
Genetic information also can help guarantee food quality – beef
tenderness or well-marbled beef. Gene markers help beef producers to
identify better breeding stock.
“Our move today expands Pfizer’s already strong commitment to promoting
livestock health and safe, high-quality food around the world,” Evans
said.
About Catapult Genetics
Catapult Genetics, Pty., Ltd., was formed in December 2006 with the
merger of Catapult Systems, based in New Zealand, and Genetic Solutions,
based in Australia. Catapult is a global innovator and leader in sheep
and cattle DNA testing technologies for meat and carcass quality and
production efficiency under the GeneSTAR® Quality Grade, Feed
Efficiency, the SureTRAK® system, and the SireTRACETM product brands. In
addition to co-founders Gerard Davis and Jay Hetzel, shareholders
include AgResearch, CSIRO, Kestrel Capital’s Nanyang Innovation Fund,
and Meat & Wool New Zealand. For more information on Catapult Genetics
visit www.catapultgenetics.com.
About Bovigen
Bovigen, LLC, based in Harahan, Louisiana, is a global genetic
technology company founded by Vic Castellon in 2003. Bovigen will
continue to market and service Catapult’s products throughout the
Americas. For more information visit www.bovigen.com
or in the U.S., call 877.BEEF.DNA
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), the world’s largest research-based
pharmaceutical company, is a world leader in discovering and developing
innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Animal
Health is dedicated to improving the safety, quality and productivity of
the world’s food supply by enhancing the health of livestock and
poultry; and in helping companion animals live longer and healthier
lives. For additional information on Pfizer’s portfolio of animal
products, visit www.PfizerAH.com.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of
March 18, 2008. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of
new information or future events or developments. This release contains
forward-looking information about the agreements by Pfizer to acquire
Catapult and Bovigen and about the potential benefits of Catapult’s and
Bovigen’s DNA technologies that involve substantial risks and
uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the
satisfaction of the conditions to closing the agreements; the
uncertainties inherent in research and development; decisions by
regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve products or
services; and competitive developments. A further list and description
of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer’s Annual Report of
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and in its reports
on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
News Media:
Australia / New Zealand media
Maida Talhami
Pfizer
+61 2 98503578
Maida.Talhami@Pfizer.com
or
U.S. Ag / Livestock media
Raegan Weber
Pfizer Animal Health
(212) 733.8814
Raegan.Weber@Pfizer.com
or
All other media
Rick Goulart
Pfizer Animal Health
(212) 733-7457
Rick.Goulart@Pfizer.com