Aptimmune Biologics and Kemin Industries officially announced their partnership in the global vaccine industry on Aug. 7.

As of July 31, Kemin is now an equity shareholder in Aptimmune and has exclusive rights to its vaccines and vaccine technologies outside the U.S., according to the announcement.

As part of the Kemin-Aptimmune partnership, the companies have formed Kemin Biologics, which will manufacture and market Aptimmune’s proprietary Barricade swine vaccine technology and products outside the U.S.

According to Andy Smythe, technical sales and marketing director for Aptimmune Biologics, the relationship with Kemin is an ideal fit for both companies.

“Kemin has a strong global presence and is focused on providing innovative nutritional and health solutions for a changing world,” Smythe said. “We are very excited to combine Aptimmune’s expertise in mucosal vaccine technology with Kemin’s global business vision.”

In the U.S. market, Aptimmune will retain development, sales and marketing responsibilities for its intellectual property and existing vaccine products made with Barricade technology, the announcement said. The Kemin Biologics partnership will be managed by representatives from both companies.

“With this new partnership and the creation of Kemin Biologics, Kemin will work with Aptimmune to achieve synergies and provide worldwide reach to new vaccine technologies developed through this partnership,” said GS Ramesh, global group president of Animal Nutrition & Health for Kemin Industries. “We see great potential in the marketplace for vaccines and are optimistic about this new business venture for Kemin. Our Animal Nutrition & Health group is driven to improve the health of livestock and ensure the safety of our food supply. Aptimmune’s Barricade swine vaccine technology is another way we can do so.”

Both parties said they believe this partnership is ideal because it brings together Kemin’s long-standing dedication to novel and value-added products in the global marketplace and Aptimmune’s unique and field-tested swine product portfolio.

“As a global company focused on improving the quality of life for more than half the people around the world, Kemin is dedicated to innovation, and the vaccine marketplace is a new, important space for our company to explore,” Kemin president and chief executive officer Dr. Chris Nelson said.

Robert Nordgren, chairman of the Aptimmune board, added, “The additional resources that Aptimmune will share with Kemin and the formation of Kemin Biologics will allow the [research and development] teams to advance new programs in the swine respiratory disease field for swine producers here in the U.S., and Kemin can focus on expanding the platform in key international markets.”

Aptimmune Biologics, St. Louis, Mo., specializes in developing and marketing a portfolio of mucosal vaccines that provide answers for the most costly viral diseases affecting the swine industry. Aptimmune’s first vaccines are focused on addressing two major viral respiratory pathogens: porcine reproductive and respiratory virus and influenza A virus in swine.

Kemin Industries is a global ingredient manufacturer with more than 500 specialty ingredients made for the human and animal health, pet food, nutraceutical, food technology, crop technology and textile industries.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned and -operated company with more than 2,500 employees globally and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and the U.S.