June 22, 2011, Lenexa, Kan. - Ceva Santé Animale is excited to introduce Dr. Steve Chu as its new Vice President, Global Biology Research and Development.  Steve is working at the company’s Biomune Campus in Lenexa, Kansas, and is part of the Biology Management Team and a member of the Ceva Scientific Advisory Board.  He reports to Dr. Arnaud Bourgeois, Ceva Santé Animale Vice President and Global Biologics Director.

“We are dedicated to attracting top industry talent,” said Arnaud. “With the rapid expansion of our Biology R&D international network and the strategic move towards swine and cattle vaccines, Ceva needed a strong and experienced leader.  With Steve, we simply chose the best.” 

Arnaud stresses the importance of hiring one of the top scientific minds in the industry.  “Ceva is growing explosively right now,” he says.  “Our industrial growth is evidenced by our heavy investment in existing manufacturing units, while continuing to add new, state-of-the-art facilities.  In addition, we’ve already created a solid foundation of the industry’s top scientific minds.  Our existing team is extraordinary, and the addition of Steve generates even more power.  With these two commitments to industry and talent, we’re perfectly positioned to continue offering unique solutions to our customers.” 

Steve’s enthusiasm for Ceva’s future is evident; the company’s culture and philosophy were very attractive to him. “Ceva has long been known for poultry vaccine innovation. It’s a leader in new technology, a rising star in the competitive biotech industry,” he says.“I came here to contribute to the success, to be a part of this exciting growth, and to make a real difference in my field. The innovation, the creativity, the vision – I simply had to be part of this incredible team.”

Steve has a long and distinguished background. He holds a B.S. in Veterinary Medicine, a DVM, an M.S. in Veterinary Virology and a PhD in Microbiology.  He was formerly Global Chief Biologics Officer – Distinguished Research Fellow for Elanco Animal Health, and he’s also held positions at Pfizer, Fort Dodge Animal Health, and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.  He’s a member of the American Society for Virology and he has been honored with the CDC Director’s Innovation Award in the category of People Prepared for Emerging Health Threats and Healthy People in a Healthy World for the “Development of an Equine West Nile DNA Vaccine.”  He is proud that he not only developed the first West Nile vaccine, but also the first DNA vaccine for any species.  He also created the first inactivated BRSV vaccine and single-dose modified live BRSV cattle vaccine.  He’s also co-developed a reverse genetic avian influenza vaccine against highly pathogenic H5N1, and secured the first federally licensed product in the U.S. and European Union. 

About Ceva Animal Health: Ceva’s key companion animal products include the Vectra® line of parasiticides, D.A.P.® and Feliway® pheromone behavior aids and Senilife® neuroprotection for aging pets.  Ceva Biomune’s key poultry products include CEVAC® Transmune IBD, Vectormune® FP and Vectormune® HVT.  Ceva Biomune Campus and the North America Zone headquarters are both located in Lenexa, Kansas.  Visit www.ceva.us.

About Ceva Santé Animale: Ceva’s parent company is a global veterinary health company focused on the research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products and vaccines for pets, livestock, swine and poultry.  Its headquarters is in Libourne, France. Visit www.ceva.com.

For more information, please contact Carolyn Gilliland at carolyn.gilliland[at]ceva.com or 913.945.4448.

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