Zoetis selected for OIE Rabies Vaccine Bank
Following a transparent and competitive procurement process, Zoetis has been appointed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as one of two approved vaccine suppliers to the Rabies Vaccine Bankfor four years. The vaccine bank aims to contribute to the OIE's members' objectives to reach zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
"We are very pleased to be selected as a preferred partner by OIE in the global fight against rabies," said Rimma Driscoll, Senior Vice President, Global Business Developmentat Zoetis. "The decision reflects the quality and efficacy of Zoetis vaccines together with our commitment and ability to raise awareness, as well as engage with and train health stakeholders in different regions. We at Zoetis are committed to combating diseases that pose the greatest risk to animals and people; supplying this global vaccine bank is a recognition of our capabilities to fight transboundary and zoonotic diseases."
Vaccine banks were created by the OIE to ensure the ready availability of high-quality vaccines manufactured in line with OIE international standards, particularly for developing countries. One of the advantages of the mechanism is to facilitate procurement processes so that local governments and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) can concentrate on the implementation of vaccination programs and have a reliable supply of quality vaccines at an acceptable price.
Glenn David, Executive Vice President and Group President at Zoetis said: "Working with the OIE and in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate dog-mediated rabies is a major Zoetis One Healthsustainability goal and a unique opportunity to further strengthen our working relationships for tackling many other diseases that impact animals and people."
According to the OIE, 75% of emerging infectious diseases have an animal origin. With that in mind, one of the company's goals within its Driven to Care long-term sustainability initiativeis to combat diseases that pose the greatest risk to animals and humans. Through its Center for Transboundary and Emerging Diseases(CTED), Zoetis has developed vaccinesfor high-impact emerging diseases around the world, including Avian Influenza, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, Schmallenberg Virus, Hendra Virus and Canine Influenza. The Center continues to work on vaccines for Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever. Through the CTED, Zoetis is monitoring approximately 200 diseases identified by the WHO as zoonotic, including Avian Influenza, Rabies, Lyme disease, West Nile Virus and SARS-CoV-2.
Over 26 million doses of rabies vaccine have been delivered or ordered by countries in Africa and Asia since the OIE Rabies Vaccine Bank was created. It is currently one of two active vaccine banks organized by the OIE, the other is for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The WHO places many orders for rabies vaccines via the OIE vaccine bank.
OIE vaccine banks have been supported financially by a number of countries and organizations including Australia, Canada, China, the EU, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Nine vaccine producers entered bids for the contract and a technical and financial appraisal of each was conducted by an independent selection committee based on specific criteria. The Zoetis offer was chosen to be one of the two approved suppliers of canine rabies vaccines until 2025. The rabies vaccine to be supplied by Zoetis has been approved in (relevant country names).
About Zoetis
As the world's leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After 70 years innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide -- from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners. The company's leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with approximately 12,100 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.