The Unique Chimeric Formulation of Suvaxyn PCV2

"Chimera" is a Greek word that means "containing a mixture of genetically different tissues."

Suvaxyn PCV2 is a chimeric formulation that combines the infrastructure of nonpathogenic PCV1 with surface components of PCV2.

Nonpathogenic PCV1 and highly pathogenic PCV2 share about 75 percent of the same genetic identity (nucleotide sequence) and behave similarly when infecting pigs.

X.J. Meng, MD, Ph.D., and M. Fenaux, Ph.D., were able to take the backbone of the PCV1 and replace its immunogenic proteins with the coat of PCV2. The result: A virus recognized by the pig's immune system as pathogenic PCV2, but grows, infects and replicates like nonpathogenic PCV1.

Why a chimeric formulation?

The unique chimeric formulation of Suvaxyn^® PCV2 will enable development of tests to differentiate between vaccinated pigs and naturally infected pigs, an essential element for future eradication programs.

PCV1 grows better in cell culture than PCV2. Capturing this effect could allow manufacturers to produce vaccines more quickly and reliably to meet industry demands.