S5. E11. 人類製藥與動物保健間跨領域的合作計畫 THE PERFECT MATCH

深知幹細胞研究所蘊涵的極大治療潛能，百靈佳殷格翰於2020年7月收購了比利時 比利時獸醫生物技術公司Global Stem cell Technology（簡稱GST）。GST創辦人 Jan Spaas 教授與他的團隊，現在是百靈佳殷格翰動物保健團隊不可或缺的重要成員。

請問Spass教授，在加入百靈佳殷格翰之前，您就已經開始與他們合作；是什麼樣的契機，讓您決定將這種合作關係提升至新的水平？

我們從2018年就開始合作，也因此，我們很肯定，百靈佳殷格翰與我們的抱負完美契合。我們擁有相近的文化、精神，以及對品質創新的渴望。百靈佳殷格翰提供給我們大量的知識支援，令我們能加快研究速度。

您在百靈佳殷格翰的第一個月，是如何度過的？

加入百靈佳殷格翰成為其中一員，對我來說是一次大冒險。之前我只有14位同事，現在我有超過51,000位同事。自從 GSP 被收購以來，我認識了很多不同領域的新同事。每個人都很支持我們，提供建議與看法，我們也主動發問，了解要如何投入、參與，才能最有效地讓我們的努力展現實際成果。

最印象深刻的一件事是什麼？

在確認收購案之後不久，為了更深入了解人類製藥研究領域，我參觀了百靈佳殷格翰位於德國比伯拉赫（Biberach）的研發基地。我更明確地意識到人類製藥與動物保健之間的協同效益緊密相關。我們現在定期與特定領域的人類製藥團隊進行合作。

人類製藥與動物保健的協同效益，有哪些優點？

我們相信幹細胞療法可以帶來很多協同效益。多年來，我們一直致力於研究、開發和生產治療動物骨科及代謝疾病。我們新啟動了一些研究計畫，人類製藥的同仁們也為這些計畫做出貢獻。這完全證明了人類製藥及動物保健之間的協同效益。

在接下來的幾個月內，有什麼令大家期待的計畫嗎？

我們正在探索動物保健領域跨物種的科學和治療協同效益。過去我們非常重視馬匹，但我們現在也能與百靈佳殷格翰的同仁們一起研究不同物種。  

THE PERFECT MATCH

Recognizing the enormous therapeutic potential of stem cell research, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired the Belgium-based biotechnology company Global Stem cell Technology (GST) in July 2020. Prof. Dr. Jan Spaas, the founder of GST, and his team are now an integral part of the Animal Health team at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Jan, before joining Boehringer Ingelheim, you had already established a partnership with the company. Why did you decide to bring this partnership to the next level?

We had collaborated since 2018, so we felt that Boehringer Ingelheim is the perfect match for the ambition we have. We share the same culture, spirit, and desire for innovation with quality. Boehringer Ingelheim brings a lot of knowledge to the table, enabling us to accelerate our research.

How were your first months at Boehringer Ingelheim?

Becoming part of Boehringer Ingelheim is a big adventure for me. I have more than 51,000 colleagues now. Before, I had only 14. Since the acquisition, I have met many new people from a variety of different fields. Everyone is extremely supportive, giving me advice and insights, and asking how they can contribute most effectively to our endeavor.

What did you find most impressive?

Shortly after the acquisition, I visited the R&D site in Biberach, Germany, to get a better understanding of the research for Human Pharma there. The experience helped me to realize how close the synergies between Human Pharma and Animal Health can be. We are collaborating with the teams in Human Pharma in some areas on a regular basis now.

What are the benefits of these collabo- rations between Human Pharma and Animal Health?

We believe that there are a lot of synergies regarding stem cell therapies. For years, we have conducted research, development, and pro- duction to treat orthopedic and metabolic dis- eases in animals. But now, we are initiating some projects to which our colleagues from Human Pharma can contribute as well. This certainly shows a cross-fertilization between Human Pharma and Animal Health.

Is there anything more we can expect in the upcoming months?

In Animal Health, we are exploring cross- species scientific and therapeutic synergies. We used to have a strong focus on horses. But together, we can also look into new species now.