Drugs firm makes parasite pilot

Norbrook said that they expected millions in sales

Newry pharmaceutical company Norbrook Laboratories has said it has developed a new way of controlling parasites like fluke and worms in cattle.

Norbrook's chairman Lord Ballyedmond said the product will win it millions of pounds in orders and secure the future for its workforce of 1,200.

He said developing Closamectin Pour-on Solution took six years and cost £3.5m.

Lord Ballyedmond said that the product was expected to secure more than $1bn in global sales.

"This is a very important milestone for Norbrook and for livestock and farmers worldwide," he said.

"We have invested heavily in research and development and the results are there for all to see."

The company produces a vast portfolio of products for the global veterinary and medical markets and received £210,000 of research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund as part of their research project.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the company was setting the bar for "research excellence" in its sector.

"Norbrook is a home grown company which has worked at the forefront of the veterinary pharmaceutical market since its inception in 1968," she said.

"Research and development activities have been integral to Norbrook's global success and in securing its reputation for clinical excellence."