Boehringer Ingelheim strengthens stem cell capabilities
Boehringer Ingelheim purchases GST, Belgian biotech company developing and producing stem cell products for horses and pets.
July 27, 2020
Boehringer Ingelheim announced July 27 that it has acquired Global Stem cell Technology (GST), a Belgian veterinary biotech company dedicated to the research, development and production of evidence-based, regenerative (stem cell therapies) used to treat orthopedic and metabolic diseases in animals.
Boehringer Ingelheim had entered into a partnership with GST in 2018, and in 2019, the companies launched Arti-Cell Forte in Europe, the company said in its announcement. As the first-ever stem cell product in the veterinary world granted marketing authorization by the European Commission, Arti-Cell Forte is testament to the innovation strength that lies within both companies.
Boehringer Ingelheim said the GST acquisition and integration will accelerate its development pipeline while allowing it to maintain a focus on setting new standards of care for animals.
“Collaboration with external partners plays an essential role in helping us expand our portfolio. After two years of a very successful partnership, we have decided to acquire GST. We are convinced that its expertise in the field of state-of-the art stem cell products will help us bring even more innovative solutions to our customers,” said Jean-Luc Michel, head of global strategic marketing for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.
“Boehringer Ingelheim wants to lead a new wave of innovation in the veterinary field. This ambition is a natural fit with GST’s management, staff and vision. From the very beginning, we aimed to change the veterinary field -- a role we will continue to play as a new [research and development] division within Boehringer Ingelheim,” GST chief executive officer Jan Spaas said.
Eric Haaksma, head of global innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, added, “This decision is fully aligned with our recently refocused strategic direction. Stem cell research areas and regenerative medicine offer an exciting potential for the next wave of innovation we are actively pursuing. In addition, strengthening external partnerships to accelerate our innovative efforts and growth is one of the key elements of our strategy.”
The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
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