Bayer Animal Health and Paraco to ally on parasiticide research

Bayer Animal Health has signed an agreement with veterinary drug molecule developer Paraco on new research in the field of parasiticides.

The company is expanding its activities in the parasitology field by agreeing a deal to gain access to the New Zealand-based Paraco’s current lead molecules for testing and development.

Both firms, in addition to Paraco owner AgResearch, have expressed confidence that the partnership represents the first phase of a long-term relationship between Bayer Animal Health and Paraco.

Dr Ian Boddy, managing director of Paraco, stated that the funding provided by Bayer will allow it to progress its lead molecules more quickly, as well as letting it work with “one of the world’s most respected animal health companies”.

He added: “It validates our belief that the big companies would be interested if we could show activity with our molecules.”

Earlier this month, Bayer Animal Health published a study which highlighted the efficacy of its canine vector-borne disease treatment Advantix, particularly against common conditions such as ehrlichiosis and leishmaniosis.