NEWS 24 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2021 Virbac, Symbiocelltech agree to develop novel technology for T1DM Virbac and Symbiocelltech sign exclusive option agreement to develop novel technology for treatment of Type 1 diabetes in companion animals. SymbioCellTech, LLC (SCT), a biotechnology company in Salt Lake City, pioneering stem cell therapy for diabetes, signed with Virbac (VIRP), the world’s sixth largest veterinarian pharmaceutical group, an agreement for the co-develop and commercialize their proprietary “Neo-Islet” cellular therapy to treat animals suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes. Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a disease in which the islet cells of the pancreas fail to produce the essential hormone, insulin. Approximately one dog in 3001 develops it. Currently, the standard therapy for T1DM in companion animals includes blood glucose monitoring and subcutaneous injection of insulin. “Neo-Islets” are small cellular clusters easily administered into the abdominal cavity in an outpatient procedure, which provide durable blood sugar control without the need for subcutaneous insulin, toxic anti-rejection drugs or encapsulation devices. In order to avoid the need for immunosuppressive agents to prevent rejection of this long-lasting cellular therapy, scientists at SymbioCellTech have employed adult mesenchymal stem cells to block the immune attack on transplanted pancreatic islet cells, a proprietary and patented process they term “natural encapsulation.” Elanco planning cost savings with restructuring Elanco has announced next wave of restructuring to drive operational efficiencies post Bayer acquisition. Actions are expected to generate approximately $20-24 million in cost savings in 2021 and $45-50 million once annualized. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced the next step in its ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency. The proposed actions are focused on streamlining processes and delivering increased efficiency in functional areas while, importantly, improving the productivity of Elanco’s investments in innovation. These actions build on the September 2020 restructuring that focused mainly on optimizing the combined Elanco and Bayer Animal Health commercial operations. The initiatives announced on January 26th, which were approved by the Elanco Board of Directors on January 25th, include the consolidation of R&D activities to align capabilities to the newly combined innovation portfolio and support the company’s Innovation, Portfolio and Productivity (IPP) strategy. Elanco intends to close R&D sites in Manukau, New Zealand and Cuxhaven, Germany, subject to appropriate local consultation processes. Elanco will also reduce duplication and optimize structures in U.S. operations, marketing, manufacturing and quality central functions, and administrative areas. The restructuring will result in the elimination of approximately 350 positions around the world.
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