Vetbiobank: Innovating Veterinary Regenerative Medicine
Overview
Founded in 2011, Vetbiobank is a French veterinary regenerative medicine company specializing in cost-effective stem cell drugs to treat chronic inflammatory diseases and enhance animal well-being. These drugs are distinguished by their long-term efficacy, high safety profile, and lack of compliance issues.
Focus on Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a prevalent inflammatory disease in both humans and animals, affects up to 20% of dogs, causing significant joint pain and loss of mobility. Current treatments, like NSAIDs, are symptom-focused and come with considerable side effects, leading to high dropout rates (81%) and treatment failures. Dog owners often spend around €1,400 annually on these ineffective therapies, resulting in financial losses for veterinarians, estimated at €43,000 per year.
Vetbiobank's Regenerative Treatment
Vetbiobank offers a groundbreaking solution for canine osteoarthritis using neonatal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. The company has developed a GMP-certified platform for producing these cell-based drugs at scale, ensuring cost-effectiveness and high quality.
Key Benefits
- One-Time Administration: A single dose of Vetbiobank's MSCs can provide long-term benefits, restoring well-being and reducing the need for surgery.
- Cost-Effective and Safe: The treatment is economical, with minimal side effects, making it a viable alternative to NSAIDs.
- Ethical Sourcing: Neonatal MSCs are sourced non-invasively, unlike adult MSCs, enhancing acceptance among pet owners.
- Environmental Impact: By minimizing chemical usage, Vetbiobank's process contributes to environmental sustainability.
Market Potential
The pet therapeutics market is expanding, with an annual growth rate of 6-7%. The global market size is $10 billion, with the canine pain segment, mainly driven by osteoarthritis, valued at $1.5 billion. The prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases in pets mirrors human trends, fueled by lifestyle factors like obesity.
Traction and Clinical Evidence
Over the past seven years, more than 2,000 animals have been treated with Vetbiobank's MSCs, showing significant improvements in 75% of cases for 6 months to 2 years. Phase 3 clinical trial results confirm clinical efficacy of Vetbiobank’s flagship product in dogs suffering from moderate to severe osteoarthritis who experience increased mobility and well-being. The European marketing authorization application was filled in April 2024 and product is expected to be approved by end of 2025.
Intellectual Property
Vetbiobank holds five family patents covering product composition, cryopreservation methods, and biomanufacturing processes. These patents ensure the selection of the most potent cells and allow storage at -20°C, facilitating easier adoption by veterinary clinics.
Commercialization Strategy
Vetbiobank aims to develop cell-based therapies as first-line treatments. Our strategy includes licensing products to pharmaceutical companies for wide distribution. Contracts for canine osteoarthritis and feline stomatitis are already in place or in negotiation with top veterinary pharmaceutical companies. For the equine market, Vetbiobank will use a stand alone modele or distributors due to the concentrated nature of the market.
Future Plans
Vetbiobank plans to bring three new animal cell therapy-based drugs to the European market by 2028. They are currently seeking €5 million in funding to finalize product development and achieve market authorization for osteoarthritis in dogs and horses, followed by treatments for feline stomatitis and atopic dermatitis by 2028.
Conclusion
Vetbiobank's innovative approach and proven track record position it as a leader in veterinary regenerative medicine. With a robust IP portfolio and strategic commercialization plans, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the veterinary therapeutics market, offering high-margin, cost-effective therapies that improve animal health and well-being.
