PHARMAQ and Zoetis introduce innovative vaccine to key stakeholders at a special event in Chile

PHARMAQ and Zoetis leaders came together in Puerto Montt, Chile last week to celebrate and promote the launch of ALPHA JECT LiVac® SRS, an innovative vaccine that helps control Salmon Rickettsial Septicaemia (SRS) Syndrome.

The new vaccine represents a significant milestone, one that was achieved after many years of hard work and focus by the PHARMAQ R&D team to address an unmet need in the Chilean market. The launch event was attended by fish farming company leaders, industry and government officials, financial analysts and trade and national media reporters.

Zoetis CEO, Juan Ramón Alaix began the event by expressing our company’s commitment to aquatic health and acknowledging the excellent work of the PHARMAQ team who delivered the firstattenuated live SRS vaccine with the support of customers and Chilean regulatory authorities. Morten Nordstad, PHARMAQ President, presented details about the history of the R&D project and the ground-breaking vaccine.  PHARMAQ colleagues, Frode Finne-Fridell and Rolf Hetlelid Olsen, from the R&D team also shared specifics regarding product safety and efficacy.

“I am very proud that PHARMAQ is the first company to deliver an attenuated live SRS vaccine that will help customers develop a sustainable and profitable salmon industry,” said Morten Nordstad. The approval was achieved in record time and is the result of a great team effort, thanks to everyone involved for a fantastic contribution to bring this product to our customers in the Chilean market!” 

External speakers provided industry insights and expertise from the Chilean National Fishery and Aquaculture Service, Salmones Multiexport, and Nordea Markets during the event as well.

About SRS and the ALPHA JECT LiVac® SRS Vaccine

SRS is considered to be the most prevalent disease in the Chilean salmon farming industry. The disease is caused by the bacterium Piscirickettsia salmonis, generating a severe disease that has caused major economic losses in the aquaculture industry since its appearance in 1989. The disease is known to affect three species of fish, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and Coho salmon. ALPHA JECT LiVac® SRS is the first attenuated live vaccine to ensure a high level of protection against SRS. It is safe for fish and the environment and was developed to improve the sustainability of Chilean salmon farming.