11 February 2022

2 minute read

By: Melanie Epp

North America

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, and Iowa State University, announced a 4-year strategic alliance this week. The partnership will bring together industry and university talent as part of a unique public-private partnership to address complex needs and expedite the delivery of animal health solutions to the marketplace.

According to a joint press release, the alliance will join faculty, students and Merck Animal Health veterinarians and staff with a committed pool of resources to identify research and development opportunities and seamlessly deploy on technical efforts and projects across disciplines for companion, equine and livestock animals. The alliance will be led by a joint steering committee of members from Merck Animal Health and Iowa State to ensure goals and objectives are aligned and progress is tracked.

“We’re committed to a fruitful collaboration and exchange of ideas between the Iowa State and Merck Animal Health teams," said Peter Dorhout, vice president for research at Iowa State. "We’re confident will yield innovative and meaningful solutions to animal health challenges in the US and around the world.”

Scott Bormann, senior vice president, Merck Animal Health, North America, said while the company has a long-standing relationship with Iowa State, the alliance will bring together industry insights and expertise with multiple departments and colleges at the university.

“As a leading animal health company focused on innovation, we look forward to the synergies, collaborations and outcomes this alliance will bring," said Bormann.

Merck Animal Health and Iowa State have already established a first phase of sponsored research projects exploring innovations in drug and vaccine delivery.

“We are excited to continue to shape the future of animal health by partnering with a renowned university like Iowa State,” said Justin Welsh, D.V.M., executive director of livestock technical services, Merck Animal Health. “Merck Animal Health has continued to make significant investments at the university in various capacities, including for veterinarian scholarships and internships, research and development projects and facility donations. This alliance further strengthens all of those endeavors.”