6 July 2022

ECO Animal Health Group plc

(''ECO", the "Company" or the "ECO Group") (AIM: EAH)

Partnership with Moredun Research Institute - Poultry Red Mite Vaccine

ECO Animal Health Group plc, a leader in the development, registration and marketing of pharmaceutical products for global animal health markets, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, ECO Animal Health Ltd, has entered into a research partnership with Moredun Research Institute (MRI), UK. This research involves an exciting project to develop an effective first-in-class vaccine solution for the sustainable control of poultry red mite (PRM). MRI has the necessary tools, expertise, and experience in working with PRM and in parasite vaccine development. The vaccine will target functions that are important to PRM development, viability and fertility.  These targets will be identified by analysing data across the developmental stages of PRM using a reverse vaccinology approach and then evaluated in a robust PRM challenge model developed and validated at MRI.  ECO Animal Health Ltd is excited about the potential of this innovation to help address a significant unmet need and improve animal welfare in the poultry industry.

Poultry Red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestation is one of the emerging and important causes of production losses in laying hens and has a major impact on animal welfare. Poultry red mites also serve as vectors for several disease-causing bacteria and viruses in poultry. Their ubiquitous presence threatens the poultry industry globally, as there are no effective non-chemical solutions available for the prevention of PRM infestation in poultry.  Pesticides are currently being used by poultry producers to treat and therefore limit the losses due to heavy PRM infestation. However, this comes with associated risks including chemical residues in eggs and meat and resistance development. Heavy PRM infestation is reported in the EU and UK and this is expected to increase as a result of animal husbandry legislation changes, increased treatment resistance, climate warming, all of which is hampered by the current lack of a sustainable approach to PRM control. 

Under the terms of the partnership, MRI will execute the sponsored research project over a period of 36 months. If the programme is successful, ECO may take the option of developing, registering and commercialising the vaccine under a worldwide exclusive license from MRI.

David Hallas, Chief Executive of ECO said: "Once again our R&D team has successfully concluded an agreement to partner with a leading research institute, in this case MRI, to develop a vaccine solution to PRM. If successful, the vaccine has very significant potential globally and would have substantial animal health benefits."

Dr Stewart Burgess, Principal Investigator at MRI commented "We are delighted to have entered this research partnership with ECO which will enable us to apply our knowledge of PRM and expertise in developing parasite vaccines to support the global poultry industry."

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Group to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR") as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service ("RIS"), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

For further information please contact:

 About ECO Animal Health

ECO Animal Health Group plc researches, develops and commercialises products for livestock. Our business strategy is to generate shareholder value by achieving the maximum sales potential from the existing product portfolio whilst investing in Research and Development ("R&D") for new products, particularly vaccines, and seeking to in-license new products.

About Moredun Research Institute

Moredun Research Institute conducts internationally recognised research on the infectious diseases of livestock, caused by important viruses, bacteria and parasites. It employs 170 scientists, vets and support staff who continue to help find solutions for major challenges to modern farming such as the consequences of a changing climate; ensuring safe and sustainable food and water supplies conserving biodiversity and finding solutions to infectious disease. Today, many of the veterinary medicines and vaccines that are routinely used on farm have either been researched, developed or tested at Moredun. More information: https://www.moredun.ac.uk/