Chanelle Group has won the prestigious ‘Pharma Project of the Year’ Award at Ireland’s Pharma Industry Awards 2016. The Award was in recognition of the development by Chanelle of a super generic drug treatment called Rheumocam^® Granules, which treats musculo-skeletal disorders in horses such as arthritis.

Chanelle spent five years developing Rheumocam in granule format which is a world first for the equine market. The product is deemed a ‘super generic’ as it is a new granule formulation of an existing generic drug, Meloxicam. No granule format of Meloxicam existed despite the considerable advantages a granule format would give to vets and owners administering treatment to an animal. Chanelle established a multidisciplinary team in the areas of Commercialisation, R&D and Regulatory to develop a granule formulation to alleviate pain in horses.

Manufacturing the medicine as a granule rather than in liquid format means the horse does not have to be handled – the treatment is sprinkled on the animal’s food, making it easier to administer. There is no need for injections or for dosage measurement and innovations such as adding apple flavouring makes it highly palatable for the horse.

“In the face of increased competition from major global players, Chanelle’s pioneering approach to product innovation is a key factor in the company’s substantial growth in recent years. The development of Rheumocam Granules is a true example of Chanelle’s innovation, enabling us to compete on the global stage”, said Michael Burke, founder and managing director, Chanelle Group. “Rheumocam Granules are now being sold throughout the EU and are currently under registration in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.”

Over the past year, Chanelle has invested €8 million in R&D emphasising the company’s focus on innovation and super generic products. Along with the launch of Rheumocam it launched a further six veterinary products in the last 12 months. The company has an active R&D pipeline to launch over 50 veterinary products over the next 4 years.

The prestigious award was presented at the Pharma Industry Awards 2016 with Chanelle seeing off competition from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Janssen Biologics.

About Pharma Industry Awards:

The Pharma Industry Awards is the premier awards ceremony for recognising and celebrating the most original and innovative individuals and companies that demonstrate excellence in the Irish Pharma sector.

Images: Susan Conroy, Dawson Rentals presents the Pharma Project of the Year award to Chanelle Group Founder and Managing Director Michael H. Burke and Chanelle, Lady McCoy, Director of Medical, Chanelle Group.
The Chanelle team at the 2016 Pharma Industry Awards