Vaxxinova International BV is a producer of specialist vaccines and is part of the family-owned EW Group. The company is a multinational, operating according to the principle of “business without borders”. Vaxxinova traces its origin to the manufacture of autogenous vaccines in Germany in 1960 as part of the Lohmann Group in Cuxhaven. The Vaxxinova Group was formed in 2010 and the administration of the company relocated from Germany to the Netherlands in 2016.  Research and development in vaccines and diagnostics is now conducted in ten nations on four continents. Vaxxinova has a commercial presence in the U.S., the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Jordan and Thailand.

Epitopix established by the Willmar Poultry Group in 2002 joined Vaxxinova by acquisition in 2018.  At this time Dr. Jim Sandstrom, managing director of Epitopix commented, “Now we will have the ability to fly with the experience of an international team to guide us and new resources under our wings.”  Victor van Solinge, CEO of Vaxxinova stated that the transaction was beneficial for the global veterinary industry based on the specific SRP® technology developed by Epitopix.

The term SRP refers to Siderophore Receptors and Porins, proteins extracted from bacteria to form the basis of highly effective vaccines.  Pathogenic bacteria require iron for growth and survival and accordingly have developed porins that function as protein systems to acquire elemental iron and transport the nutrient through cell walls.  Siderophore receptors that can carry iron are located on the outer surface of bacteria and are highly specific antigens, often shared in common among related bacterial pathogens. Porins also function as immunoregulators with specific activity on T and B cells simulating the synthesis of cytokines and activating intracellular signaling pathways. Epitopix has developed unique extraction techniques to harvest SRP proteins on a commercial scale. These are purified, concentrated and incorporated in highly effective vaccines containing adjuvants and an oil carrier in the form of a stable emulsion.  SRP® technology is unique to Epitopix and is protected by a series of U.S. and international patents, both granted and pending.

Vaxxinova markets the following vaccines for poultry in the U.S. :-

• Vaxxon® SRP® SE – This bacterial extract vaccine is administered to pullets to stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immunity against Salmonella Enteritidis including colonization of the ovary and oviduct.  Field experience has often demonstrated a reduced risk of oil-induced vaccine reaction compared to whole-cell bacterins.

• E. coli SRP® – Vaxxinova creates autogenous E.coli SRP® bacterial extracts by screening multiple strains of pathogenic E.coli (APECs) to produce an SRP® extract in accordance with USDA-approved protocols.  Autogenous SRP® vaccines can be developed with a range of adjuvants, pathogen combinations and dose volume.

• Pasteurella SRP® – Vaxxinova produces autogenous SRP® Pasteurella vaccines based on isolates derived from flocks or complexes experiencing cholera.  Originally developed in the 1990’s for breeder turkeys, autogenous SRP® Pasteurella vaccine is widely used in broiler breeder hens and cage-free egg production flocks.

• Salmonella SRP® - Vaxxinova can produce autogenous Salmonella SRP® vaccines or conventional whole cell bacterins containing serotypes specific to the range of challenge on a complex.  Serotypes may include Heidelberg, Kentucky, Enteritidis, Hadar or Oranienberg, for example.  Vaxxinova autogenous vaccines can be prepared with custom formulation for diverse adjuvants, dose volumes and combinations of serotypes.

Vaxxinova subscribes to close cooperation with local professionals, establishing relationships with veterinarians, animal health professionals and research institutes to prevent diseases of livestock and to reduce the use of antibiotics, contributing to enhanced food safety and profitability. 

For further information access the Vaxxinova website by clicking onto the company logo on the right side of the welcome page.  Additional contacts are (844) 777-8299 or the Administration and R&D center, 1801 Biotech Ave., NE Willmar, MN 56201.