Boehringer Ingelheim acquires innovative pet therapeutics company

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Boehringer Ingelheim, a biopharmaceutical company involved in both human and animal health, has acquired Saiba Animal Health (SAH), a company that develops therapeutic vaccines, targeting unmet needs in veterinary medicine.¹ In the purchase, Boehringer Ingelheim adds SAH’s novel technology platform, which uses a therapeutic vaccine approach to induce an immune response, targeting chronic diseases in companion animals like allergies, inflammation, and pain, to its’ portfolio.¹

SAH’s therapeutic vaccines contain virus-like particles that stimulate an animal’s immune system and produce neutralizing antibodies against the animal’s disease-causing proteins. Results of the approach include a longer duration of action and better treatment outcomes, while making things easier for pet owners, increasing both convenience and adherence.¹

As the life expectancy of pets increases, there has never been a greater need to manage their chronic diseases. An article by Science estimates that the life expectancy of dogs has doubled in the past 4 decades, and domestic felines now live twice as long as cats in the wild.² Similarly, US households with senior dogs (age 7 years or older) increased from 41.6% in 2012 to 52.5% in 2022, and households with senior cats increased from 46.1% in 2012 to 51.7% in 2022.³ These feats are widely attributed to advancements in veterinary care and better diets for companion animals.^2,3

“Our pets live longer which creates different needs for their medical care, and often without good existing treatment options,” Eric Haaksma, PhD, head of global innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said in a news release.¹ “As a research-driven company, we are very excited about the potential of [SAH]’s groundbreaking technology platform, which could result in a more specific and longer-lasting therapeutic response to chronic diseases in companion animals than current approaches.”

The acquisition follows several past collaborations between the 2 companies, working towards their shared goal of improving chronic disease management in companion animals. Those developmental and licensing collaborations have advanced multiple species-specific product candidates thorough SAH’s technology platform.¹

“We are thrilled that our long-term partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim has evolved to this agreement,” Gary T. Jennings, PhD, CEO of SAH, said in the release.¹ “Joining forces will pave the way for a whole new class of therapeutic medicines for pets, with a true impact on the lives of animals and their owners.”

SAH was founded in 2013 as a spin-off company from the University of Zürich in Switzerland.⁴ In the years since, the company has developed and utilized their patented vaccine platform to improve companion animal’s quality of life. Now, acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim, SAH will contribute their therapeutics to the company’s research and development portfolio.

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim acquires Saiba Animal Health, adding innovative technology platform to its pet therapeutics R&D portfolio. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. September 3, 2024. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/boehringer-ingelheim-acquires-saiba-animal-health-adding-innovative-technology
2. Grimm D. Feature: A dog that lives 300 years? Solving the mysteries of aging in our pets. American Association for the Advancement of Science. December 3, 2015. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://www.science.org/content/article/feature-dog-lives-300-years-solving-mysteries-aging-our-pets
3. Zilien C., Pidlubnyy O. Pet longevity: lengthening the life span of our furry companions. Allianz Global Investors. March 10, 2023. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://www.allianzgi.com/en/insights/outlook-and-commentary/pet-longevity
4. Saiba Animal Health. Saiba Animal Health AG. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://www.saiba-animalhealth.com/