Dalan Animal Health, a biotechnology company developing vaccines that leverage innate immunity, has announced the appointment of Erin Strait, DVM, PhD, as chief scientific officer. Dr Strait, who took charge on January 27, brings extensive experience in the veterinary biologics development and will lead the company’s expanding research and development initiatives from its headquarters in Athens, Georgia, USA, Dalan Animal Health said in a press release.
Dr Strait has joined Dalan Animal Health from Ceva Animal Health, where she served as director of innovation and development for U.S. Poultry and Swine Biologics. “I am thrilled to join Dalan Animal Health at this pivotal moment in the company’s growth,” she said. “The company’s pioneering research and development efforts, from developing the world’s first honeybee vaccine to advancing shrimp health solutions, underscore a deep commitment to innovation in animal health. I am eager to build on (co-founder) Dr (Dalial) Freitak’s groundbreaking science and unlock new, transformative applications of innate immunity across a diverse range of species.”
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Dr Strait earned her Doctor of Philosophy in immunobiology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. Prior to her role at Ceva Animal Health, she served as director of biology discover, U.S. Swine Biologics, at Merck Animal Health, accumulating significant expertise in advancing innovative diagnostics and vaccines from research concept to licensing. In her role as chief scientific officer, she will lead efforts to strengthen Dalan Animal Health’s research presence, expand the scientific team, and drive the company’s strategic vision to further advance its innovative vaccine platform and explore new frontiers in animal health.
“Dr Strait’s deep expertise in immunology and proven track record in bringing novel biologics to market makes her the ideal leader for our scientific initiatives,” said Dr Annette Kleiser, chief executive officer of Dalan Animal Health. “Her appointment strengthens our ability to develop groundbreaking solutions for unmet needs in animal health, food production and beyond.”
Dr Freitak, founding chief scientific officer of Dalan Animal Health, added, “Dr Strait’s unique combination of scientific expertise and strategic vision aligns perfectly with our mission to transform animal health through innovative vaccine development. Her leadership will be instrumental as we expand Dalan’s platform beyond our initial successes in honeybee and shrimp health.”
Dalan Animal Health plans to develop vaccines for other honeybee diseases and underserved invertebrate species, such as shrimp, to deliver a more sustainable food supply. The company’s biotechnology innovation has been recognized through numerous international awards such as TIME magazine’s Best Inventions and Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech. The company was most recently featured in FORBES magazine.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
