Axitan & QualiTech Partner to Launch Endolysin Products for Livestock
Axitan Limited, a pioneering biotech company specializing in the development of endolysin enzyme products as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in animal feed, has announced a significant strategic partnership with QualiTech. QualiTech, a globally recognized manufacturer of products and services in animal nutrition, plant nutrition, and food ingredients, will play a key role in the development and distribution of Axitan’s novel endolysin-based solutions. This partnership represents a critical step forward in the pursuit of antibiotic-free animal production, an area of increasing importance due to rising consumer demand and regulatory pressures.
Under the agreement’s terms, QualiTech will serve as the exclusive distributor of Axitan’s flagship product, FORC3®, for the swine, ruminant, and all poultry markets in North America, with the exception of broilers.
Axitan will retain exclusive distribution rights for broilers. FORC3® is a groundbreaking solution designed to combat Clostridium perfringens, the bacterium responsible for necrotic enteritis in poultry. This disease poses a significant challenge to poultry producers, leading to economic losses and impacting animal health and welfare. With FORC3®, Axitan has demonstrated unparalleled success in mitigating this pathogen, offering a highly effective alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Beyond the distribution of FORC3®, the collaboration between Axitan and QualiTech extends to the development of new endolysin-based products aimed at addressing pathogenic challenges in the swine and ruminant sectors. QualiTech will hold exclusive distribution rights for these innovative products within North America
. This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both companies to advancing animal health and nutrition through cutting-edge, sustainable technologies.
Alfred Zimmerman, CEO of Axitan, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Endolysins open the doorway to the next generation of antibiotic-free production. We are delighted to have entered into this agreement with QualiTech. It is a major endorsement for our technology platform and allows us to leverage QualiTech’s leading presence in the North American animal nutrition market.”
Zimmerman’s comments highlight the growing recognition of endolysins as a transformative solution for pathogen control in livestock, particularly in an era where antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global threat.
Since its inception, Axitan has been at the forefront of endolysin innovation. The company’s dedicated biotech team has made significant strides in developing and integrating endolysins into animal feed formulations. These enzymes are highly specific in targeting pathogens, effectively eliminating them without disrupting the broader microbial community or triggering antimicrobial resistance. This specificity sets endolysins apart from traditional antibiotics, which often have broad-spectrum effects and contribute to the development of resistant bacterial strains.
Axitan’s approach involves identifying and formulating endolysins into nutrient-rich feed additives that offer dual benefits: pathogen control and enhanced livestock performance. The company’s flagship product, FORC3®, is a testament to this approach, providing poultry producers with a reliable and sustainable solution for managing Clostridium perfringens. In addition to its success with FORC3®, Axitan is actively working on a robust pipeline of endolysin-based products targeting other pathogens that pose challenges to livestock production and food safety.
Scott Hine, President of QualiTech’s Animal Nutrition and Agronomy businesses, emphasized the strategic alignment between the two companies. “QualiTech is thrilled about the synergies between the Axitan product line and our existing solutions, enabling us to further our strategic focus on early-life vitality and performance, ensuring a strong start and sustained growth,” said Hine. He continued, “Axitan’s proven success with their technology positions them as the ideal development partner for introducing the next generation of performance-enhancing, non-resistance-triggering, antibiotic-free feed additives.
Common pathogens cause billions of dollars in economic losses annually across the swine, ruminant, and poultry industries. At QualiTech, we are committed to delivering high-quality ingredients and nutrients that support animal health and wellbeing. With consumer demand increasingly favoring antibiotic-free, high-protein food sources, QualiTech and Axitan are poised to lead the way.”
The economic impact of pathogenic diseases in livestock production is staggering. In the poultry industry alone, necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens accounts for billions of dollars in losses each year. Similar challenges exist in the swine and ruminant sectors, where bacterial infections can lead to reduced productivity, increased mortality, and higher treatment costs.
The partnership between Axitan and QualiTech aims to address these challenges by delivering innovative, science-driven solutions that enhance animal health and performance while reducing reliance on antibiotics.
Consumer preferences are also driving the shift toward antibiotic-free animal production. As awareness of antimicrobial resistance grows, consumers are increasingly demanding food products derived from animals raised without antibiotics.
This trend is particularly pronounced in North America, where regulatory frameworks and market dynamics are encouraging producers to adopt alternative strategies for disease prevention and control. By combining Axitan’s expertise in endolysin technology with QualiTech’s extensive distribution network and market presence, the partnership is well-positioned to meet these evolving demands.
