Total global fish production – largely for human consumption – now exceeds that of pork, poultry, beef or dairy. Farmed fish production is becoming increasingly important in meeting global demand and is anticipated to account for 55 per cent of total fish production by 2017, according to industry sources.
“The time is right for Pfizer Animal Health to enter the global market for aquaculture healthcare therapeutics,” said Juan Ramón Alaix, president, Pfizer Animal Health.
“The integration of Microtek R&D into Pfizer Animal Health also will allow us to build a more diverse and innovative portfolio in biopharmaceuticals. The meat, dairy, egg and fish products that people enjoy for healthy living begin with a healthy food animal.”
William Kay, Ph.D., president and CEO, Microtek, who will continue to serve Pfizer in a consultant role, said, “Microtek not only brings to Pfizer Animal Health industry-leading vaccines and technology, but also complements Pfizer’s portfolio of health services and diagnostics for food animal production.”
Terms of Pfizer Animal Health’s acquisition of Microtek were not disclosed.
Microtek International, Inc. is a privately-held company based in British Columbia, Canada, with commercialised vaccines across a number of fish species. Novel, efficient vaccine injection, oral or immersion delivery systems help to ensure long-term protection of disease in fish across Canada, the US, Chile, and parts of Europe. An extensive Microtek research network also includes alliances with leading universities in Canada, US and in Europe.
Pfizer Expands Into Aquaculture Markets
US - Pfizer Animal Health has announced its acquisition of Microtek International, Inc., a recognised innovator in aquaculture vaccines, R&D and healthcare diagnostic services. The acquisition further expands Pfizers commitment to a safe food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and, now, fish.
