Design Biologix, founded in 1994 by Pieter Smuts, Karen Nel, and George Gaenssler, is a leading commercial animal health vaccine developer and manufacturer. Initially operating from a small lab at the CSIR in Pretoria, the company has grown significantly over the past 27 years and now serves a wide range of clients. In the early days, Design Biologix manufactured a single product, an intra-dermally administered Pasteurellosis vaccine called Pastvac, which aimed to reduce shipping fever in calves.

However, as demand for quality and consistency increased, the company expanded its facilities and product range. The business now caters to various commercial animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and species in the aquaculture industry. Additionally, Design Biologix plays a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife, providing vaccines for species such as rhinoceros, sable, lion, cheetah, and wild dog.

They have even extended their expertise to exotic species like seahorses, coatimundis, lemurs, and fennec foxes. With a current annual vaccine output of 20 million doses, Design Biologix has continued to expand its infrastructure, both in terms of equipment and personnel. The company is now in the process of relocating to a new facility to accommodate its growing operations.

As of today, Design Biologix is solely owned by Karen Nel and Pieter Smuts, with no affiliations to the pharmaceutical industry. Their dedication to innovation and commitment to the well-being of animals make them a trusted leader in the field of animal health vaccines