Strategic partnership between Bioiberica and Centauri in veterinary cell therapy

Today, the veterinary division of Bioiberica and Centauri announced their strategic partnership to launch an autologous mesenchymal stem cell-based cell therapy service for the treatment of osteoarticular pathologies in pets and horses.

The two biotechnology companies united under the brand b&c Therapeutix. Centauri, an animal health biotechnology company specializing in the development of advanced therapies with mesenchymal stem cells, will be responsible for the development and preparation of those treatments. Bioiberica, a biotechnology company specializing in joint health, will assume control of the promotion, marketing and scientific publications.

Calculations place the number of dogs and horses in Europe at over 75 million and 6 million, respectively, and an estimated 30% of them suffer from osteoarthritis. A total of 70% have a high probability of developing it in the future. “This innovative therapy is recommended in dogs, cats and horses with advanced osteoarthritis. In pets, osteoarthritis cases are usually secondary to hip and elbow dysplasia, post-trauma and as a result of advanced age. This therapy can also be used with excellent results as adjuvant in the treatment of fractures or partial tendon or ligament rupture”, explains Alfonso Velasco, Director of Bioiberica's Veterinary Division.

This service will be offered in veterinary clinics. From the time the treatment is prescribed, it takes one week to collect a fat sample and to harvest the stem cells that will later be administered to the animal.

“The stem cells we select are expanded in our laboratory and have great immunoregulatory and regenerative capacity. They are able to target the site of the lesion, reduce inflammation and regenerate the damaged tissues”, states Luis Mariñas, R+D+i Director at Centauri.

Stem cell treatment has also been observed to reduce recovery time and increase the probability of the animal's full recovery. 

“In 2012, we launched Dysgen®, a genetic test for determining the genetic susceptibility of a dog developing hip dysplasia. And now with cell therapy, we are completing the cycle and have a presence in the prevention, diagnosis and personalized treatment of the joint lesions", added Velasco.

The therapy holds a price tag of 540 euros + VAT and will be marketed first in Spain and Portugal.