Jeremy Salt, CEO of The Vaccine Group (TVG) talked with Proactive’s Stephen Gunnion about the company’s collaboration with global animal health firm Syva. Salt explained that the partnership focuses on developing a vaccine for Streptococcus suis, a major disease in pigs that also contributes significantly to the use of antibiotics in livestock farming. “One of the key aspects of this collaboration with them is that they have a significant gap in their portfolio of products for pigs,” Salt noted.
He emphasised that Streptococcus suis is prevalent in around 60% of European countries and impacts pig farming worldwide, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) being a critical concern. The zoonotic nature of the disease, particularly in Southeast Asia, adds another layer of urgency to develop effective solutions.
Salt highlighted that TVG’s vaccine platform provides broader protection across multiple strains, making it potentially globally applicable. The vaccine can be administered to young piglets, which is strategically important and is also expected to be more cost-effective than conventional options. He also discussed the role of UK government support, with Innovate UK and DEFRA grants contributing around £1 million in funding.
The company is also progressing with 12 vaccine candidates, including developments in poultry and biotherapeutics delivery using monoclonal antibodies.
