Biography

Dr. Waller's research aims to identify mechanisms that underlie disease processes that can be exploited to improve the health of animals, including humans. His work to develop novel anti-infective agents at British Biotech provided experience of bacterial genetics and product development. Andrew joined the Animal Health Trust in 2003 to study Streptococcus equi and Streptococcus zooepidemicus. His group transformed the understanding of these pathogens and developed new diagnostic tests that permit the eradication of Streptococcus equi from horse populations. The health and welfare benefits of his work were recognised by the British Horse Society in 2012 and the National Equine Forum in 2014. In July 2020, Andrew joined Intervacc AB as Chief Scientific Officer, leading the development of safe and effective vaccines with which to improve animal health. The first of these products, a novel multicomponent subunit vaccine named Strangvacc, which protects up to 95% of horses from strangles, is due to be launched in Europe during 2021. The techniques developed by Dr. Waller's group are also being applied more widely in collaboration with researchers throughout the world to improve the understanding, treatment and prevention of other streptococcal pathogens, including S. canis, S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae and S. gordonii.