The story of MJ Biologics began to unfold some years ago with a swine production company in southern Minnesota, headed by Bill Marks. As they continued to expand their 11,000-sow operation, they grew increasingly frustrated as they continually encountered PRRS-related challenges. They tried various ideas to eliminate or minimize the effects of this financially draining disease. They injected vaccines and serum. They repopulated with naïve animals, followed by closing the herd and utilizing the most current biosecurity measures. Although somewhat beneficial at times, nothing worked consistently and they continued to suffer huge financial losses for many years.

Then, with the recommendation of their local vet, they invited Dr. Han Soo Joo from the University of Minnesota to visit their farms. During the visit, Dr. Joo mentioned that he had been working on a process to develop an innovative PRRS vaccine that would provide cross-protection. Upon the producers’ decision to fund the research to work on this innovative process at the University of Minnesota, MJ Biologics was born.

Through ongoing research, Dr. Joo, and his staff, along with MJ Biologics' microbiologist, Dr. BK Kim, and his staff, have continued to refine this process. In collaboration with swine practicioners, the autogenous MJPRRS vaccines have been continuously improved with the innovative MJPRRSV grouping technology that MJ Biologics developed, and is under the patents-pending process. As MJ Biologics continues to grow, the story continues to unfold. Research within MJ Biologics for new products and technologies is emerging.