Prionics Acquires CEDI Diagnostics - Strategic Partnership With World-Famous Life Science Innovation Centre

    ZURICH, Switzerland, March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Prionics announced the
 acquisition of CEDI-Diagnostics. The Dutch firm is part of the world-famous
 Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR). Through the
 purchase of CEDI, Prionics will acquire a substantial number of new products
 and gain rights to commercialize developments made by the research centre.
 Prionics and Wageningen UR have additionally agreed on a strategic
 partnership for the development of future innovations in farm animal
 diagnostics.
     With this acquisition, the successful Swiss company Prionics has
 accomplished several objectives. "We have acquired a firm with tests proven
 on the market and we gain access to future developments of a unique global
 research centre", says Dr Markus Moser, co-CEO of Prionics.
     "The Animal Science Group of Wageningen UR, a recognized leader in the
 field of animal disease control, will contribute further potential for
 innovation to Prionics", comments Dr. Bruno Oesch, co-CEO and Head of
 Research & Development at Prionics AG.
     The products made by CEDI include tests for the early diagnosis of foot
 and mouth disease or swine fever. "The CEDI products are excellent tests
 which make an ideal addition to our existing portfolio of farm animal
 diagnostics", says Ernst Zollinger, Head of Marketing & Sales at Prionics AG.
     Terms of the agreement include that Wageningen UR will acquire a stake in
 Prionics. Further details are not disclosed.
     About CEDI-Diagnostics
     CEDI-Diagnostics is a globally active company in the field of farm animal
 diagnostics. The Dutch firm is a spin-off from the Animal Science Group of
 Wageningen University. CEDI Diagnostics supplies more than twenty products
 for the early detection of diseases in farm animals. The product portfolio
 includes tests for the diagnosis of BSE, foot and mouth disease, BVDV (Bovine
 Virus Diarrhoea Virus) and classical swine fever. With some 20 employees, the
 business, founded in 2001, serves customers in over 60 countries.
     About Wageningen UR
     Wageningen UR is a collaboration between Wageningen University, the Van
 Hall Larenstein School of Higher Professional Education and specialized
 research institutes in areas such as food and food production, plant, animal,
 environment and agricultural economics. With over 6000 employees and 9000
 students, the business makes an active contribution to the resolution of
 scientific, social and economic problems in the life science sector.
 Wageningen UR works closely together with governments, institutions,
 companies and the general public. Within Wageningen UR, Wageningen Business
 Generator is responsible for the spin off companies and is positioned to
 manage and commercialize corporate intellectual property.
     About Prionics
     The world leader in the diagnosis of BSE and other prion diseases
 Prionics was founded in 1997 as a spin-off from Zurich University. At its
 headquarters in Zurich, Prionics develops and markets diagnostic products for
 the early diagnosis of farm animal diseases. The company places its main
 focus on diseases which are transmissible from animals to human beings and
 thereby contributing to an improvement to food safety. In October 2005
 Prionics acquired Pfizer Animal Health's Diagnostic portfolio. The recipient
 of the Swiss Economic Award 2002 as "Company of the year" and winner of the
 European Biotech Award 2004 for Excellence in Biotech Business; Prionics is
 driving its business through a combination of outstanding research,
 high-quality products and innovative marketing solutions.
     Internet: www.presseportal.ch
 
     Contact:
     Stephanie Musshafen
     Director of Corporate Communications
     Prionics AG
     Tel. +41-44-200-20-95
     Email: press.relations@prionics.ch
     Internet: http://www.prionics.com
     Bouke de Vos
     Press Officer Wageningen UR
     Tel. +31-317-480-180
     Email: bouke.devos@wur.nl
 
 
 

SOURCE  Prionics AG