Interview: A center of excellence in stem cell treatments

The acquisition of Belgian biotechnology Global Stem cell Technology (GST) in July reflected once again the enormous therapeutic potential of stem cell research. GST founder Jan Spaas, now an integral part of the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health team, and Erich Schoett, Head of Pet Therapeutics, reveal ambitious plans for the future. We caught up with them an interview in Ingelheim to learn more.

Erich, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and GST have been working together for a while. Why change the approach and move from a partnership to a full acquisition?

There is a moment in time when you realize that fully committing to each other will make things easier and faster to the benefit of our patients. When you are two teams working with the same passion for value through innovation, when you share the same basic values, this moment comes naturally.

GST had a small team of 15 members responsible for some big innovations. What did you think about the offer, Jan?

We started very small back in 2012, in the garage of a former bike shop. We had many ideas on how to cure animals through the use of stem cells. With the development of the first-ever registered stem cell-based veterinary medicine  in 2018, we aimed to expand globally and reach new animal species. Although several companies showed interest in us, BI was by far the most suitable. We share the same values. BI is not only a warm family-owned company, but it is also definitely the most scientifically driven company I came across. Furthermore, when you feel part of the group even before being part of the group that is a good sign.

Erich, our new Global Innovation division is putting its research focus on diseases . Which diseases seem most promising to explore in the animal health biotech field now?

Well, one of the expected future outcomes is the possibility to tackle the underlying cause of a disease instead of treating symptoms only. I also believe that we will see in the future products coming to market which build on the strong synergies we have with human pharma.

Jan, we’re all curious to understand more about what makes stem cell research so promising. Can you offer a brief explanation? These are cells that self-renew, aren’t they?

Yes, correct. But not only that. Stem cells also help in repairing tissues and achieving balance in the body. Imagine they are the maestro of an orchestra, one who tells the violinist to play higher notes if the music gets boring. Stem cells tell the body what to do. When they encounter an area of inflammation, stem cells signal other cells to reduce inflammation, and they contribute to the creation of new tissues. Apart from that, as a biological treatment, there are no long-lasting potential side effects noticed so far.

Erich, do you also see potential for new partnerships in this field or others? Or new intersections with human pharma?

Our ambition is clear. We want to be the leaders in the field of stem cell treatments. Together with our new colleagues, we are creating a center of excellence in this field. This also will be attractive for potential partners from academia and biotech industry. Partnerships are a key element of our strategy and this will not change with this acquisition. I believe that our human pharma business is a huge asset. In addition to the success stories we’ve had together in the past, I believe that we will see many more benefits from this collaboration in future, bringing true innovation to the market.

A cultural fit might be an issue during acquisitions. Erich, why are BI and GST a good match?

For me, it starts with shared values. We clearly have a joint passion to make a difference to the way we treat animals today. We also have been able to establish from the beginning a very high level of trust in the way we work together. We have a joint view that our teams are making the difference, and that we treat them with respect and empathy.

How about you, Jan?

I cannot help but agree. It all begins with values and the support for science. It’s not all about products and revenues, but about the best science to better protect animals. And everyone is so passionate about what they do! Their potential is our passion. As a startup, we are very agile, we change and adapt easily and quickly. BI aggregates a lot in terms of science, marketing, sales and regulatory experiences. BI and GST are a match made in heaven!