EXOPOL

Exopol is dedicated to the preparation of veterinary autovaccines and microbiological diagnosis in livestock species only.

The company was founded in 1992 by Iñaki Albizu-Morsetti and Rafael Baselga, who directly applied their experience in staphylococcal autovaccines to other bacterial species of interest in farming activities (Pasteurella, Mycoplasmas, Actinobacillus, etc.).

At present, Exopol has 6 veterinarians and 3 auxiliary laboratory staff members.

Identification of the company

©EXOPOL S.L., Pol. Ind. Río Gállego 8
50840 - San Mateo de Gállego. Zaragoza. Spain
Phone: +34-976694525; fax: +34-976683017 E-mail: exopol@exopol.com

DIFFERENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMPANY. AUTOVACCINES IMMUNE-ENHANCED WITH LIPOSOMES

Liposome representation

The autovaccines are specifically prepared for each livestock farm. After performing the microbiological diagnosis with the isolated bacteria and under veterinarian supervision, the customized vaccine is prepared. Although in other countries autovaccines against viruses are also produced, European legislation only contemplates the formulation of autovaccines against bacteria.

The autovaccines prepared by EXOPOL incorporate liposomes to ensure the immune enhancement of the bacterial exopolysaccharides. This technology was developed by the sponsors of EXOPOL, within the team of Dr. Beatriz Amorena (Servicio of Investigaciones Agrarias. Diputación General de Aragón). The protocols employed can be found in:

Amorena B., Baselga, R. and Albizu, I. 1994. Use of liposome-immunopotentiated exopolysaccharide as a component of an ovine mastitis staphylococcal vaccine. Vaccine. 12, 3: 243-249.

Representation of a liposome containing exopolysaccharides.

To our knowledge, we are the only company in the world to commercialize this technology, and are one of the few entities conducting research on it.

Exopol works throughout Spain and also markets some of its products in France, Italy and Portugal. We work with the following species: pigs, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and avian species.

DIFFERENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMPANY. IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY.

In addition to working with more conventional techniques such as serology or microbiological cultures, EXOPOL also employs immunocytochemical techniques.

These techniques are very useful, since by using specific antibodies against different infectious processes it is possible to diagnose many disorders simultaneously and very rapidly.

Important immunocytochemical developments achieved in Exopol.

Immunocytological techniques applied to reproductive problems in swine, bovine cattle, and in sheep-goats. Specifically, immune diagnostic techniques have been developed using swabs after an abortive process or in situations of infertility. Sampling is analogous to the procedure used in human medical practice in vaginal cytological studies. With this technique the veterinarian can sample animals up to 10 days after an abortive process, thus avoiding the shipment of fetuses or fetal adnexa to the laboratory. Based on this technique, and applied to the desquamated cells, we are able to localize the infectious agent responsible for the abortive or infertility problems.

Magnetic immune separation techniques for isolating Brachispiras in feces. This technique allows the highly sensitive identification of carriers of Brachispiras (hyodisenteriae and pilosicoli). To our knowledge, we are the only company in the world to use this technique in Brachispiras.

Immunocytological techniques applied to digestive and respiratory problems in swine, bovine cattle, and in sheep-goats. A technique has been developed for working with swabs in digestive and respiratory processes. In this way the veterinarian can sample live animals in search of pathogens that are difficult to isolate.

AGREEMENTS WITH PRIVATE ORGANISMS. CONTRACTS

Within the setting of the EUREKA program of the EU, and financed by the CDTI, Exopol has developed a program with Cabinet Veterinaire SCP NSBABB, France.

Title of the project: Mycoplasma in rabbits and avian species. Development of diagnostic methods, autovaccines and control programs.