Aptimmune Biologics and Kemin Industries have announced their partnership in the global vaccine industry. As of July 31, Kemin is now an equity shareholder in Aptimmune and has exclusive rights to its vaccines and vaccine technologies outside the United States.

As part of the Kemin-Aptimmune partnership, the companies have formed Kemin Biologics, which will manufacture and market Aptimmune’s proprietary Barricade swine vaccine technology and products outside the United States.

According to Andy Smythe, Technical Sales and Marketing director for Aptimmune Biologics, the relationship with Kemin is an ideal fit for both companies.

“Kemin has a strong global presence and is focused on providing innovative nutritional and health solutions for a changing world,” says Smythe. “We are very excited to combine Aptimmune’s expertise in mucosal vaccine technology with Kemin’s global business vision.”  

In the U.S. market, Aptimmune will retain development, sales and marketing responsibilities for its intellectual property and existing vaccine products made with Barricade technology. The Kemin Biologics partnership will be managed by representatives from both companies.

“With this new partnership and the creation of Kemin Biologics, Kemin will work with Aptimmune to achieve synergies and provide worldwide reach to new vaccine technologies developed through this partnership,” says GS Ramesh, Global Group president of Animal Nutrition and Health for Kemin Industries. “We see great potential in the marketplace for vaccines and are optimistic about this new business venture for Kemin. Our Animal Nutrition and Health group is driven to improve the health of livestock and ensure the safety of our food supply. Aptimmune’s Barricade swine vaccine technology is another way we can do so.”

Both parties believe this partnership is ideal, as it brings together Kemin’s long-standing dedication to novel and value-added products in the global marketplace and Aptimmune’s unique and field-tested Barricade swine product portfolio.

“As a global company focused on improving the quality of life for more than half the people around the world, Kemin is dedicated to innovation, and the vaccine marketplace is a new, important space for our Company to explore,” says Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries.

As stated by Robert Nordgren, chairman of the Board for Aptimmune, “The additional resources that Aptimmune will share with Kemin and the formation of Kemin Biologics will allow the R&D teams to advance new programs in the swine respiratory disease field for swine producers here in the U.S., and Kemin can focus on expanding the platform in key international markets.”

Aptimmune Biologics, St. Louis, Mo., specializes in developing and marketing a portfolio of mucosal vaccines that provide answers for the most costly viral diseases impacting the swine industry. Aptimmune’s first vaccines are focused on addressing two major viral respiratory pathogens, porcine reproductive and respiratory virus and influenza A virus in swine.

Kemin Industries is a global ingredient manufacturer with a focus on improving the quality of life for over 3.8 billion people each day with more than 500 specialty ingredients made for the human and animal health, pet food, nutraceutical, food technology, crop technologies and textile industries.