Elanco Opens State-of-the-Art Vaccines Innovation Center

Half of the 48,000 sq. foot space comprises an open concept collaboration environment intentionally designed to encourage scientific interaction. The remaining floor area houses an integrated laboratory space equipped with the very latest technology in the fields of immunology, molecular biology and microbiology. The Vaccines Innovation Center is the global centerpiece of the Elanco vaccines R&D model and one of its unique features is a self-contained master seed suite. Master seeds are the critical starting materials for any vaccine, and must be prepared with great stringency. The Vaccines Innovation Center's specialized suite comprises three distinct, access restricted zones with dedicated air handling and single pass personnel flow to optimize biosecurity. Seeds laid down in this suite will provide the critical starting materials for production of vaccines throughout Elanco's global manufacturing network.

"From foundation to roof, this new building creates an environment for innovation," said Aaron Schacht, Vice President of Elanco Research and Development. "Our scientists will use leading approaches to develop vaccine products that address key needs for the health of animals, including innovative alternatives to antibiotics."

Elanco scientists working within the labs will tackle several important fields of research, one of which is finding alternatives to antibiotics used in food animals. Two near-term projects involve exploring vaccines for salmonella - which is estimated to cause one million foodborne illnesses in the United Statesⁱ  and roughly 82,000 in the EUⁱⁱ annually - and bovine respiratory disease, which affects 3 in 4 cattle.ⁱⁱⁱ

Work being conducted in the Vaccines Innovation Center is a tangible result of Elanco's eight–point antibiotic stewardship plan, which was rolled out last June. The multifaceted plan is an aggressive means to safeguard antibiotics for future generations while protecting animal well-being.

"The Vaccines Innovation Center underscores our commitment to invest in innovation, bringing new antibiotic alternatives to market," said Jeff Simmons, President, Elanco Animal Health. "We've pledged at least two-thirds of our food animal research budget to development projects that address diseases where there are few, or no, alternatives to shared-class antibiotics. We are truly going where the unmet need is, where our customers and the animals they care for need the most help."

Beyond antibiotic alternatives, the center will also house research into several companion animal vaccines, including the exploration of more "patient friendly" delivery technologies, which could make annual vaccinations easier for both the pets and the veterinarians who care for them.

About Elanco 
Elanco provides comprehensive products and knowledge services to improve animal health and food-animal production in more than 70 countries around the world. We value innovation, both in scientific research and daily operations, and strive to cultivate a collaborative work environment for more than 6,500 employees worldwide. Together with our customers, we are committed to raising awareness about global food security, and celebrating and supporting the human-animal bond. Founded in 1954, Elanco is a division of Eli Lilly and Company. Our worldwide headquarters and research facilities are located in Greenfield, Indiana. Visit us at Elanco.com and EnoughMovement.com.

ⁱ http://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/PDFs/pathogens-complete-list-01-12.pdf 
ⁱⁱ EFSA Journal 2015;13(1):3991
ⁱⁱⁱ Wittum, T.E., N.E. Woolen, L.J. Perino, and E.T. Littledike 1996. "Relationships among treatment for respiratory tract disease, pulmonary lesions evident at slaughter and rate of weight gain in feedlot cattle." J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 209:814–818.8756886

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Keri McGrath Happe
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SOURCE Elanco

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