Prevtec microbia celebrates its 5th anniversary with the inauguration of its new installations in the Cité de la biotechnologie

The management of Prevtec microbia inc. proceeded to the inauguration today of their new R&D and operations centre located in the heart of the Cité de la biotechnologie agroalimentaire, vétérinaire et agroenvironnementale de Saint-Hyacinthe. This inauguration ceremony was the opportunity to gather several representatives from the area’s potilical and business network as well as many collaborators. This event also underlined the five years of activities of the enterprise.

The 3,500 sq. ft building is part of the main pavilion of the Centre de développement des biotechnologies of Saint-Hyacinthe which already houses five agro-food high tech enterprises. The construction and design were carried out from June to November 2009, a direct investment of more than half a million dollars. The new installations house the scientific and homologation activities for the technologies of the company, including a laboratory for R&D. It is expected that three people will join the seven qualified employees already working there at the moment.

In operation for 5 years

Incorporated in 2003, Prevtec microbia inc. officially started its activities in 2005. A spin-off of the work of scientists at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de Saint-Hyacinthe, Prevtec microbia, an agro-food biotechnology firm, develops and markets products that improve food animal health, production performance and food safety while providing an alternative to antibiotics.

In 2007, its vaccine Coliprotec®, which prevents post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, is the first live bacterial livestock vaccine fully developed, homologated and produced in Canada.

In less than 5 years, the firm is recognized as one of the most dynamic young companies in veterinary biotechnology in Canada. In addition to its main installations in Saint-Hyacinthe, it also has offices in Montréal, Saskatoon, and in Brazil. Coliprotec® is about to be homologated in the United States and in Brazil. The company intends to be in over 12 countries, on 3 continents, with 4 products within 5 years.

« In addition to putting on the market technologies developed by universities, successful spin-offs, like Prevtec, benefit everyone. Universities get royalties as well as further research projects. » added Mr. Michel Fortin, President and CEO of Prevtec microbia.