Chemeq picks up the pace in South Africa

Perth-based company Chemeq has started its push to introduce its polymeric antimicrobial drug for prevention of colibacillosis in pigs into South Africa, the first country to approve the veterinary product.

A demonstrative study on 500 piglets on three major pig farms in South Africa was conducted to compare the treatment to standard antibiotic treatment regimes. The three farms represent 70 per cent of South Africa's pig industry.

Chemeq CEO Dr Graham Melrose said the result was significant and very important for the company as it demonstrated that even in a short time frame, 10 per cent more growth was seen in piglets treated with the drug, called CHEMEQ, than in animals on treatments incorporating market- leading antibiotics, and more effective control of colibacillosis was observed.

Melrose said that the vets who witnessed the study have unequivocally stated that they would use the product once it is available. "They prescribe to about 70 per cent of the market. Now we have them on side," he said.

Dr Alistair Murdoch, Chemeq's corporate marketing manager, said that the vets' commitment was significant. "Our marketing strategy is to have commitments for sales in place, so we can hit the ground running once the factory begins production," he said.

Chemeq is currently building a commercial manufacturing plant to the south of Perth, which is expected to be online in the first half of 2003. "We are moving into production just as fast as we can," Melrose said.

The company recently received notification from the National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (NRA) that its small-scale facilities, which are currently used to manufacture the antimicrobial, have satisfied Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.

"We are very pleased with that. It means in terms of standards we are up to steam already," said Melrose. The new facilities will also have to be approved by the NRA, he said.