Boehringer Ingelheim, Square Pharma partner to launch AFTOVAXPUR®in Bangladesh

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has joined hands with Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Bangladesh's largest pharmaceutical company, to introduce AFTOVAXPUR®, an advanced FMD vaccine for ruminants in Bangladesh. 

This collaboration addresses the urgent need for a vital solution to combat the recurring outbreaks of FMD and safeguard livestock health and bolster the livelihoods of farmers across Bangladesh, according to a press release.

The launching ceremony, held recently at The Westin Dhaka, was attended by dignitaries, and thought leaders including government officials, policymakers, industry experts, and academicians from Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Directorate General of Drug Administration, and Department of Livestock Services.

Scientists from the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute and the Clinical Research Organization were also present and expressed their views on the pressing need for effective FMD control strategies in Bangladesh.

They also lauded the collaborative efforts between Boehringer Ingelheim and Square Pharmaceuticals for their potential to drive positive change and enhance the resilience of Bangladesh's agricultural industry.

The launch event featured notable speakers, including Prof Dr Nitish Chandra Debnath, former vice-chancellor of CVASU and National Coordinator of One Health, Bangladesh, who highlighted the clinical significance of FMD vaccination and its role in ensuring immunity and preventing viral shedding.

Following the launch ceremony, Dr Nicolas Denormandie, DVM, technical director, Scientific Service & Middle East/ Africa/ LATAM Support, Veterinary Public Health, Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr Mohamed Alnahrawy, technical and marketing manager, IMETA Ruminants and Veterinary Public Health, Boehringer Ingelheim conducted a product insights session on AFTOVAXPUR®, aiming at equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the vaccine effectively.

Annually, Bangladesh suffers an estimated loss of approximately US $125 million due to FMD. Vaccination is recognised as one of the most effective strategies for preventing FMD infection. The urgency for safe and effective vaccines has become paramount due to the high mutation rate of the FMD virus.

Mr Tapan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Pharm, said, "We are excited to announce the launch of AFTOVAXPUR®, a highly anticipated FMD vaccine that promises to revolutionise livestock health in Bangladesh.

“Our partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions for the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. We are confident that our combined efforts will yield positive outcomes for farmers and livestock alike."

“FMD poses a major threat to livestock and the livelihoods of farmers in Bangladesh, and there is a significant unmet need for safe and reliable vaccines to combat this outbreak,” said Dr Vinod Gopal, Head - Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim India & BNS.

“With AFTOVAXPUR®, we aim to leverage Boehringer Ingelheim's expertise and legacy in controlling and eradicating FMD, in tandem with Square Pharmaceuticals' unrivalled presence in the veterinary public health sector. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing animal health and welfare globally.”