Prince Edward Island is proud to be working with Novartis Animal Health as it continues to invest heavily in its Island operations, says Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allan Campbell.

"The province happily welcomes Dr. George Gunn, Head of Novartis Animal Health, to Prince Edward Island as he visits its recently expanded site while participating in the third international Vet Health Global Conference," said Minister Campbell. AThe company has recently completed the second phase of expansion at its McCarville Street facilities, allowing for greater production and enhanced product development laboratories. The company has invested in both facilities and people, and employs over 95 individuals in the bioscience industry.”

“Prince Edward Island is an ideal location for our aqua health research and development and manufacturing activities because of the dedication from the province of Prince Edward Island to aquaculture, and the center of excellence at the University of Prince Edward Island. We also have an outstanding working relationship with the provincial government and the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance,” said George Gunn, Global Head of Novartis Animal Health.

There are three Novartis locations in the Charlottetown area with two on McCarville Street for product development and one on Hillstrom Avenue housing vaccine production. It also has a research and development plant located in Victoria, Prince Edward Island.

For more information on Novartis Canada visit www.novartis.ca.

BACKGROUNDER

Novartis Animal Health

• Novartis Animal Health focuses on the well-being of companion animals and on the health and productivity of farm animals. Most of its products are available by prescription through veterinarians.

• Novartis Animal Health is at the forefront of new and better treatments for the most common pet ailments such as internal parasites, fleas, and renal, heart and allergic diseases. For livestock, Novartis Animal Health offers prevention through vaccination as well as therapeutic products to treat parasitic and bacterial infections.

• Novartis Animal Health PEI conducts research and manufactures fish vaccines and anti-virals for global markets.

• Novartis currently employs over 95 people in Prince Edward Island.

• There are four Novartis locations in Prince Edward Island – three in Charlottetown and one in Victoria.

• The Province’s total investment to date is approximately $600,000. No provincial funds were allotted for this expansion.