Elanco is Exclusive U.S. Distributor of Aptimmune’s PRRS Killed Autogenous Vaccine

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced it has entered into an agreement with Aptimmune Biologics, Inc., as the exclusive distributor of their Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) inactivated, or killed, vaccine based on Aptimmune’s Barricade technology platform in the U.S.

"We are excited about the opportunity Aptimmune's PRRS technology can bring to our swine customers. Alongside Elanco's Prevacent PRRS modified live vaccine, this agreement strengthens Elanco's position as a respiratory disease solutions provider for the U.S. swine industry,” Scott Carr, technical fellow and leader of Elanco’s consulting veterinarian division for swine, said in a release on Wednesday.

An inactivated vaccine consists of virus particles, bacteria or other pathogens that have been grown in culture and then killed to destroy disease-producing capacity. According to Elanco, Aptimmune’s PRRS killed autogenous vaccine is the world’s first autogenous mucosal vaccine to prevent clinical manifestations of PRRS — a viral disease that attacks the reproductive system of sows and gilts, causing respiratory illness in pigs of any age and can be fatal to infected piglets.

Administered intranasally rather than by injection, Aptimmune’s PRRS killed autogenous vaccine is complementary to traditionally injected modified live vaccines like Elanco’s Prevacent PRRS, the company said. It acts directly over the mucosal surfaces where PRRS infection occurs. Elanco said it is based on a proprietary Barricade platform technology that contains proprietary nanoparticle and exclusive adjuvant components plus an autogenous PRRS virus antigen produced on ZMAC cell line, which is an immortalized porcine alveolar macrophages line. 

This autogenous PRRS vaccine was developed for use with Aptimmune Biologics’ patented Barricade delivery system, the release says. Aptimmune bottles are attached to a handheld Barricade spray applicator. The spray nozzle is then inserted into a pig’s nostril, where a single dose of the vaccine is administered.

Aptimmune’s killed autogenous PRRS vaccine is intended for healthy pigs 7-10 days of age and can be administered again at weaning, or three weeks old. A 21-day withdrawal period is required, representing the fewest number of days allowed for autogenous products, the company noted in the release.

Heather Bessoff, Aptimmune’s CEO, said in a release, “PRRS continues to have a major impact on swine production and health. Solutions that protect piglets at a very early age are paramount to controlling this endemic virus. Partnering with Elanco on the distribution of our autogenous PRRS vaccine gives veterinarians and producers another tool in their toolbox with a solution that hasn’t been available before. Elanco’s presence and name in the industry helps get the word out that safe early vaccination is possible.” 

The Barricade PRRS killed autogenous vaccine will be available to veterinarians in the first half of 2023, the company said in a release.