2012 was a transformative year for Avivagen as it saw the launch of Oximunol(TM) Chewables for dogs in the United States through its distributor, a leading animal health company. Oximunol(TM) is a scientifically formulated chewable tablet that contains Avivagen's proprietary, patented active ingredient OxC-beta. OxC-beta is a highly concentrated version of oxidized derivatives of carotenoids that are found naturally and extensively in the plant world in minute amounts. It is currently available for dogs of all ages. Oximunol(TM) Chewables work with a dog's immune system to enhance overall health and well-being.
The successful launch of Oximunol(TM) in the US market sets the stage for growth and expansion of the Company in 2013. In 2012, the Company officially re-named and re-branded itself as Avivagen Inc. and launched a new website (www.avivagen.com). As of May 30, 2012, the Company began trading under the stock symbol "VIV' on the TSX Venture exchange. The adoption of the name of Avivagen for the Company formally recognized the completion of the transition from a purely research and development enterprise to a commercial organization that is committed to taking full advantage of the wide opportunities of Avivagen's patented oxidized carotenoid technology in the animal and human health markets. Avivagen is focused on leveraging its proprietary products through direct and partnered sales in various vertical markets and global territories.
For 2013 Avivagen is committed to executing a three-stage strategy for commercialization of the OxC-beta technology, targeting three major global markets:
-Companion animal and pet supplements for dogs, cats, horses and ornamental fish;
-A natural feed supplement used in livestock production to increase productivity through enhanced health and safety as an alternative to the current practice of using low dose antibiotics; and
-Human health applications based upon enhancement of immune function and decreased inflammation.
Below are highlights of the accomplishments from 2012 and strategies for 2013:
Oximunol(TM) Chewable Tablets for Dogs Launched in the United States
On September 26, 2012 Avivagen announced the commercial launch of Oximunol(TM) by the Company's United States (U.S.) distribution partner, a leading animal health company. The distributor and Avivagen earlier entered into a distribution agreement whereby the distributor has exclusive rights for distribution of Oximunol(TM) chewable tablets to veterinarians in the U.S. On the launch of Oximunol(TM) Chewable Tablets for dogs in the U.S. Avivagen's CEO, David Hankinson, commented "We are very pleased that pet parents in the U.S. are now able to access Oximunol(TM) Chewable tablets to assist in optimizing the overall health and well-being of their dogs. It is also an important milestone in Avivagen's history, which is important to all of our stakeholders. In early 2012, we announced the signing of a distribution agreement for the U.S. with a well-known and reputable animal health company, which was followed closely by accreditation received from the U.S. National Animal Supplement Council. We then received our first order from our U.S. distributor, which was delivered in August, 2012 and the product has now been commercially launched in the veterinary market. We are also pleased to confirm that we have received payment on our first order and look forward to fulfilling future orders for our distributor in the growing U.S. market."
While there are no binding agreements for purchase, Avivagen is expecting multiple orders from its distributor this year.