Boehringer Ingelheim acquires GST to strengthen its stem cell capabilities in Animal Health

Ingelheim, Germany, July 27, 2020 – Boehringer Ingelheim, a market leader in animal health, has acquired Global Stem cell Technology (GST), a Belgian veterinary biotech company. GST is dedicated to the research, development and production of evidence-based, regenerative medicines (stem cell therapies) used to treat orthopedic and metabolic diseases in animals. Boehringer Ingelheim already entered into a partnership with GST in 2018; in 2019, the companies launched Arti-Cell^® Forte in Europe.

Arti-Cell^® Forte is testimony to the innovation strength that lies within both companies. It is the first-ever stem cell product in the veterinary world granted marketing authorization by the European Commission. The acquisition and integration of GST will accelerate the development pipeline of Boehringer Ingelheim while maintaining its 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,” shares Jean-Luc Michel, Head of Global Strategic Marketing, 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 R&D division within Boehringer Ingelheim,” says Jan Spaas, CEO of GST.

“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,” adds Eric Haaksma, Head of Global Innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. Across the globe, our 10,000 employees are dedicated to delivering value through innovation, thus enhancing the well-being of both.

Respect for animals, humans and the environment is at the heart of what we do. We develop solutions and provide services to protect animals from disease and pain. We support our customers in taking care of the health of their animals and protect our communities against life- and society- threatening diseases.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is the second largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of 4 billion euros in 2019 and presence in more than 150 countries.

For more information visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/overview

Global Stem cell Technology (GST)

The main activities of GST are research & development and production of veterinary stem cell based products and their biotechnological applications. As a basis for stem cell therapies, GST uses highly potent stem cells from blood of mammals. GST thus translates regenerative medicine into clinical applications. Arti-Cell^® Forte has been developed by GST and is the first-ever stem cell product in the veterinary world which was recommended marketing authorization by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). GST is globally ranked within the top 10 start-ups in animal health.

More information about GST can be found on www.gst.be

Boehringer Ingelheim

Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found on https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

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