Fast Acting Virus Control Strategies for Production Animal Diseases

Project Information

FACTs

Grant agreement ID: 672586

DOI

10.3030/672586

Project closed

EC signature date 8 April 2015

Start date 1 May 2015

End date 31 October 2015

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Biotechnology

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

ARATANA THERAPEUTICS NV
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FACTs (Fast Acting Virus Control Strategies for Production Animal Diseases)

Reporting period: 2015-05-01 to 2015-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

ViroVet was the operating name of Aratana Therapeutics’ livestock team. The strategic business plan that resulted from FACTs led to ViroVet’s incorporation as a dedicated, disruptive biotech company (30 July 2015). ViroVet will focus on the introduction of a product for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) and of a combination vaccine for small ruminants; both TLR-6 products. Generated sales will support double-digit growth of ViroVet; revenue that will be used for pipeline expansion.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The market opportunity of the BVD product was confirmed, inflection points were determined for BVD control in the beef cattle chain, and regulatory requirements and development timelines were established, supporting EU and US product launch. The envisioned business idea proved technologically and practically viable. ViroVet’s ambition to introduce the BVD product as a new standard of care in the beef industry was consolidated by economic analysis.
Investigations into unmet needs of the livestock industry resulted in the addition of 6 new product candidates to ViroVet’s portfolio, ensuring a healthy pipeline.
The refined business plan was the basis of ViroVet’s incorporation on July 30th, 2015 as a separate legal entity. ViroVet management is now in advanced discussions with potential lead and co-lead investors with the aim to close a series A round in early 2016.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

ViroVet will deliver innovative solutions to be used alone or in combination with existing products and measures providing livestock producers, national governments and international organizations with a multi-faceted arsenal of virus control weapons against endemic and epizootic viral diseases.
ViroVet’s livestock solutions will create a healthy company that aids in battling some societal issues of our time:
• Global human population growth drives animal-based protein needs. Reducing the burden of viral disease will provide healthier livestock and better performing production systems.
• Antibiotic use will be decreased as ViroVet’s technologies will better protect livestock from viral disease and associated bacterial infections, reducing the risk for antimicrobial resistance through overuse/misuse in veterinary practice.
• Some of ViroVet’s products are aimed at controlling infectious diseases at source (e.g. by addressing African/Asian markets) thereby reducing the risk of spread as a result of climate change.
ViroVet intends to apply for an SME Instrument Phase 2 to support full introduction of the BVD product.

logo-virovet-landscape-small.jpg