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In-depth process leadsto animal health products By Holly Martin What ends up an injection to treat a sick calf starts much, much earlier as an idea. From complex and in-depth research to secure packaging facilities, the Pfizer Animal Health division gave agricultural journalists the opportunity to get behind the scenes at a recent media event in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dr. William Baker, executive director of global clinical development, said research and development is critical to the future of the animal production industry. "We are constantly thinking, 'Twenty years from now, what are we going to need?'" Dr. Baker said. The company spends $270 million in research and development annually. "We pour more of our sales dollars into research and development than any other animal health company," said Dr. Baker. Discovery and development of disease takes time and money, Baker said. The first step is identifying a disease target and choosing an approach. The company looks at medical needs for drugs where no effective therapy exists. They also take into account how many animals suffer from the disease and the market potential for the drug, Baker said. Many of the leads also come from the human medicine side of the company. In the case of Draxxin, the project began with Pfizer's top selling antibiotic for humans, Zithromax. The attractiveness of the drug is in the one dose injection. But before a drug like Draxxin can bring in $100 million sales, practical issues must be solved. "We ask, 'Can we make it in a lab in a 700 liter vat? What is its biology, drug residue?" Baker said. From there a drug candidate is identified and pharmacological science determines things such as how the drug can be kept sterile and stable. Lastly, clinical trials are held to test the drug. Typically trials are conducted in three different geographic areas to give researchers an idea of environmental effects. Drug development costs have increased steadily over the past few years. In the 1960s new drug development cost around $20 million. In 2004, that number had risen to $140 million to develop a new veterinary medicine, Dr. Baker said. One of the most expensive parts of drug development is pharmacology science. Pfizer has been able to hold its costs better by utilizing facilities in India for that portion of drug development, Dr. Baker said. One of the biggest trends in animal health research is to focus on prevention of animal disease. "If you can prevent disease, that is the way you want to be going instead of treating disease," he said. Dr. Gordon Brumbaugh agreed. "Animal health can protect a producer's investment." Brumbaugh is an anti-infective specialist for Pfizer based in Wellborn, Texas. For example, if the cost of raising a 650-pound feeder steer totals over $1,300 a producer will spend only $35, or about 3 percent, of that on animal health products--a pretty inexpensive insurance policy. By using preventative care, a producer can spend less money protecting against disease, instead of treating it. Pfizer invests in research beyond initial effectiveness of a drug. The company has conducted extensive studies into treatment timing so producers reap maximum benefit of their products. Bovine respiratory disease has plagued cattlemen for years, said Dr. Daniel Scruggs, senior veterinarian, Beef Veterinary Operations for Pfizer. Lung disease is critical for cattle because they have a lower volume of lung to body mass, he said. During a wet lab demonstration, Dr. Scruggs demonstrated the difference between a few hours delay in treating respiratory disease. Lungs show a rapid progression in the disease if animals are left untreated. Extensive research means Pfizer has invested in a staff of 275 veterinarians that direct the company in animal health research. Their five sites span the globe: Kalamazoo, Mich; Lincoln, Neb., Thane, India; Sandwich, United Kingdom; and Melborne, Australia. The Veterinary Medicine Research and Development facilities in Kalamazoo include research farms where trials are conducted with beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, dogs and cats. Holly Martin can be reached by phone at 1-800-452-7171 ext. 1806 or e-mail at hmartin@hpj.com. 11/5/07 Date: 10/30/07
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