Another phase of Novartis Animal Vaccines, Inc.'s purchase of ImmTech Biologics and Grand Laboratories is complete. Effective immediately, ImmTech Biologics of Bucyrus, Kan., will operate as Novartis Animal Vaccines, Inc.

"Changing the name from ImmTech to Novartis completes another phase of the transition started by Novartis' acquisition of ImmTech and Grand Laboratories on Jan. 17, 2002," says Dr. Ron Cravens, President of Novartis Animal Vaccines, Inc.

"As we move through ImmTech product inventory, a label change will occur, and product will begin carrying the Novartis Animal Vaccines, Inc. name and logo. Product in the bottle will be the same high-quality product that producers have known and trusted - only it will now be marketed as a Novartis Animal Vaccines, Inc. product."

The research and manufacturing facility at Bucyrus, Kan., will serve as a Novartis production site. Dr. Cravens explains that this production site will continue its research and development focus, providing veterinarians and producers with custom vaccines that meet specific and immediate needs, as well as such commercial products as FUSOGARD(R) and Treponema Bacterin.

Dr. Cravens says that Grand Laboratories will continue to conduct business as "Grand Laboratories, a Division of Novartis Animal Vaccines, Inc."

"When two companies are acquired and are being integrated into a new company, numerous transitional steps are necessary," Dr. Cravens adds. "During this time, those who use our products remain a priority. Our goal is to minimize disruption of business and to make the process of integrating our two companies as seamless as possible." ©