Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health files a patent on a new test for BSE in living animals

19-Dec-2000

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH (BIV) has filed world-wide patents on a procedure to test bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in living animals. Contrary to the tests which are actually used based on brain histopathology, which can only be undertaken after the animal has been slaughtered, Boehringer Ingelheim`s new test is able to measure BSE prion-related parameters in the blood of living animals. Thus the health status of a herd, or of a single animal, can be monitored over time in order to detect early signs of the disease.

Boehringer Ingelheim`s Animal Health division has been actively researching BSE infections, diagnosis methods and control parameters for a number of years. The new test is the result of intensive collaboration between the company and various external partners which is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research.

The process is now being validated and engineered into a reliable high throughput test. Market introduction Europe-wide is planned in 2001.

The Animal Health business of Boehringer Ingelheim has developed well over the recent years despite difficult market conditions. In business year 1999, BIV achieved sales of DM 488 million with some 1,200 employees world-wide. Extensive research and development and a strong customer focus are the cornerstones of this flourishing development.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies, with headquarters in Ingelheim (Germany) is one of the 20 leading pharmaceutical firms in the world and reported revenues of almost DEM 10 billion in 1999.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/539/boehringer-ingelheim-animal-health-files-a-patent-on-a-new-test-for-bse-in-living-animals.html