Novartis CEO claims “slow growth” within animal health

An expert has expressed concern over the slow market growth of the animal health sector.

George Gunn, president of the International Federation for Animal Health and chief executive officer of animal health with Novartis, made his comments at a London conference aimed at discussing new ways to advance veterinary medicine innovation, the Farmers Guardian reports.

He said the regulatory environment needs to ease in order to meet the needs of the sector.

“We need to work with stakeholders across all sectors and at global level to shape an environment for innovation that benefits all parties,” Mr Gunn said.

David Mackay, head of the veterinary medicines and inspections unit of the European Medicines Agency, commented that innovation is “key” to a sustainable industry, the Farmers Guardian states.

Regulators must be ready for new technologies and provide the necessary guidance, he continued.

Mr Gunn was elected president of the IFAH 12 months ago.