AlcheraBio Announcements
May 2009 – AlcheraBio CRO Services Expanded to Europe
To learn more, see What's New at AlcheraBio or click here!
March 2009 – AlcheraBio Information Technology Manager Appointed
In March 2009, AlcheraBio appointed Alexander Greenberg as its full-time Information Technology Manager. The appointment is in keeping with the development and implementation by AlcheraBio of our custom-designed clinical trial data management system, which incorporates features such as double-data entry, automatic query generation, and other features designed to streamline data management on behalf of AlcheraBio’s clients. See Mr. Greenberg’s bio in the Who We Are section of this website or click here. For an overview of AlcheraBio’s data management services, click here. To request information about our data management services click here.
February 2009 – Chief Operating Officer Appointed at AlcheraBio
In February 2009, Argenta and its subsidiary AlcheraBio announced the appointment of Johnny A. Jacobsen, DVM, MSc, as chief operating officer of AlcheraBio LLC. See Dr. Jacobsen’s bio in the Staff section of this website.
At the time of his appointment, Dr. Jacobsen noted, “The animal health industry is a vibrant industry that has undergone change and evolution, both in its structure and in terms of embracing new technologies, platforms, products, and opportunities. I am pleased to be able to join AlcheraBio and contribute to the ongoing innovation that this organization is known for in the evolving animal health marketplace. The recent Argenta-AlcheraBio combination provides an impressive group of services which will benefit our clients as they seek future growth opportunities.”
“Dr. Jacobsen’s veterinary, technical, market development, and cross-functional experience, coupled with his working knowledge of what it takes to bring an animal health product to the marketplace, will enable him to make significant contributions to the growth of AlcheraBio. We are delighted that he has joined the company,” said Dr. Jane Eagleson, Argenta business development manager and AlcheraBio president.
October 2008: Argenta Acquires AlcheraBio
Argenta, a New Zealand-based international formulations R&D and manufacturing company, acquired AlcheraBio in October 2008. The acquisition is a key step in Argenta’s expansion into the United States, says Argenta CEO Doug Cleverly.
“We are delighted to acquire a company of AlcheraBio’s stature. The United States represents between 30 and 40 percent of the global market for animal health products and we are pursuing growth in the US market as an important part of our vision to be the leading provider of new product development and manufacturing services to the international animal health industry,” says Dr. Cleverly.
“We see huge potential for businesses offering outsource services to companies developing and marketing both companion animal and the livestock products. AlcheraBio has been involved in cutting-edge work in these sectors.”
AlcheraBio, formed in 2001 by Linda Rhodes VMD, PhD, and Katherine Moldave MBA, is headquartered in New Jersey, a short distance from Rutgers University. Dr. Rhodes is an adjunct professor at the university’s School of Environmental and Biological Science which offers highly respected graduate and undergraduate Animal Science programmes.
AlcheraBio is continuing to operate out of its current location and Dr. Rhodes and Ms Moldave remain with the company as Vice Presidents of Clinical Development and Market Support, respectively.
“This is a match made in heaven with a similar culture and very good synergies in the services offered by the two companies,” says Dr. Rhodes. “Our clients will see the same level of expertise from AlcheraBio but will also have access to an expanded range of capabilities from Argenta.”
Argenta head of client services Jane Eagleson, MVSc, a former senior director at Pfizer, serves as AlcheraBio president and divides her time between New Zealand and the United States. Dr. Cleverly says Argenta is extremely fortunate to have someone of her caliber on board.
“Jane’s experience in the United States through her work with Merck, Merial and Pfizer makes her an enormously valuable addition.”
In 2007, Argenta secured FDA approval for its New Zealand research and manufacturing plant, giving the company access to the lucrative US market and significant credibility in international markets.
“Securing FDA approval opened the door for us to develop new products for global pharmaceutical companies. The purchase of AlcheraBio continues our long-term vision to provide a one-stop shop for animal health companies seeking an outsourcing partner.” says Dr. Cleverly.
The world’s first Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) dedicated to animal health, Argenta was formed in 2006 through the acquisition of Nufarm Health and Sciences, which manufactured animal health pharmaceuticals for the Australasian market, and Chemlabs, an animal health research and development company. It now exports to more than 60 countries.