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Untitled Document Former Ballistic Weapons Scientists Find Medical Application For Rocket Technology NNSA Newsletter April 2002
Russian scientists have used their expertise in rocket nozzle design to develop a needleless vaccine injection system. With NNSA's help they have commercialized this new technology.
NNSA's Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP) helped bring together Felton International of Lenexa, Kansas and its Russian partner, Chemical Automatics Design Bureau (CADB). The two partners recently signed a $2.4 million contract to supply 1200 units of the needle-free vaccine injectors to Iowa Vet Supply. Iowa Vet Supply will distribute the equipment in the North American veterinary market.
As a result of this contract, at least 50 permanent jobs will be created for former weapons workers at CADB in Russia. Additional contracts could create employment for at least 150 additional Russian weapons scientists, while bringing a new product to market which substantially benefits agriculture and public health. CABD was formerly a key part of the Soviet ballistic missile complex.
IPP's contribution of $1.2 million was matched by Felton International. Providing fast, large-scale inoculations without spreading bloodborne pathogens is a longstanding veterinary and human health-care challenge. While the initial venture is for veterinary applications-the injector offers great benefits in maintaining the health of animal herds-longer-term plans are to apply this technology to human vaccine delivery. The human vaccine component is expected to increase revenues by as much as $50 million per year.
The IPP program helps to stem the spread of weapons technologies by engaging former Soviet weapon scientists in peaceful activities that have long-term commercial potential. Russian designed needless vaccine system to be marketed in the U.S. by Felton International. The partners were brought together with the help of NNSA.
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