Merck Animal Health announced it has entered into an agreement with Cambridge Technologies, an independent custom vaccine company based in Worthington, Minn., to sell and market its innovative autogenous poultry vaccines in the United States. 

Cambridge Technologies uses cutting-edge molecular diagnostic and manufacturing techniques to develop custom vaccine solutions to help veterinarians and poultry producers manage emerging disease challenges. Through this agreement, Cambridge will contribute its production expertise and distribution while Merck Animal Health will provide its expansive customer reach.

"Merck Animal Health is continuously pursuing innovative ways to deliver value to our customers to improve animal health," said Jim Tate, executive director, Integrated Livestock business in North America for Merck Animal Health. "For this agreement, we are linking together the reach of our Merck Animal Health sales and marketing teams to offer our customers the diagnostic expertise of Cambridge research scientists to provide flock-specific biologics with customized options."

Cambridge Technologies vaccines are formulated and produced at its USDA-licensed, 37,000-square-foot manufacturing facility featuring state-of-the-art fermentation suites.

“The Cambridge team has extensive experience in diagnostics, R&D, quality control, technical support, regulatory affairs and commercial and custom vaccine production,” said Jon Mahlberg, chief operating officer for Cambridge Technologies. “Our vaccines are scientifically designed to meet the customer’s specific needs, and we are excited to combine our capabilities with those of Merck Animal Health to meet the unique needs of poultry customers.”

Production of the first vaccine batches is currently being planned.