Building capacity for One Health

Strengthening the bonds between human, animal and environmental health in PEI’s Bioscience Cluster

AS OUR PLANET FACES THE ONGOING CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION, and emerging zoonotic diseases, the animal health industry finds itself at the forefront of efforts to safeguard both human and animal health.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of One Health and recognizing the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health is a critical step in addressing some of the most pressing and complex global challenges of our time.

Beyond human health, biotechnology plays a critical role in developing and manufacturing products that improve and sustain animal health. Worldwide, there is a growing demand for animal health products, supporting rising animal protein needs, growing pet populations, and bridging the gaps in care where many animals fall sick to preventable disease each year. In 2021, the value of the global animal health sector increased to $38.3 billion (HealthforAnimals).

The types of products in the animal health industry range from veterinary natural health products to pharmaceuticals, feed additives, and biologics, regulated in Canada by the Veterinary Drugs Directorate of Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

In addition to the regulatory bodies, the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) takes a leadership role in Canada as the trade association representing the developers, manufacturers, and distributors of animal health products. Working in parallel and critical to the success of the industry are organizations such as the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) operating out of the University of Saskatchewan – a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for both humans and animals, and veterinary colleges including the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island.

“It’s a team sport, and it is critical to have all of these organizations working closely together across the country to provide the support and resources needed to bring products from research and development through to commercialization and into the hands of consumers,” said Rory Francis, CEO, PEI BioAlliance and Chair, VetHealth Global Conference.

Animal health and nutrition is a key pillar of the bioscience sector in Prince Edward Island, one of few locations in North America with this focus. PEI is a center of expertise in animal and fish health product commercialization and has a robust capacity for clinical trials. The ongoing partnership between industry, academia and governments, through the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance, allows for productive relationships to bring products to market and is a key attractor for companies to do business in the region.

Elanco manufactures some of the most important and most valuable vaccines for the global aquaculture industry, the fastest growing sustainable source of animal protein in the world.

“The PEI Bioscience Cluster is the location of choice for Elanco’s global fish health business,” said Charmaine Noonan, Senior Director and Site Head, Elanco PEI. “Biomanufacturing expertise, specialized infrastructure, and clinical trial capabilities provide us the ecosystem to grow our business.”

THE INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CONFERENCE

Hosted every two years by the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance, VetHealth Global is the premier international animal health and nutrition business conference, recognized for its stellar list of presenters, innovative emerging company sessions, professional business partnering programming and top-rated networking events. Most recently, more than 200 senior international animal health and nutrition business executives, investors, and innovators from 21 countries gathered for VetHealth Global 2023 in Charlottetown. VetHealth Global 2025 will be held from June 24-26, 2025.

BioAlliance partners in Prince Edward Island have invested in a remarkable assembly of assets that support animal health product development and commercialization.

Emergence, Atlantic Canada’s Bioscience Business Incubator, is accelerating the growth of animal health start ups and early-stage companies from ideation through to commercialization. Emergence provides critical mentorship, business strategy and advisory services as well as access to key networks and capital.

CASTL, the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences, opened its lead training facility in Charlottetown last fall. It is adding additional facilities in Montreal and British Columbia to create a national pipeline of biopharma talent to support Canada’s Bioscience Manufacturing and Life Science Strategy across One Health.

A new $50 million BioAccelerator, set to be completed in 2025, will be unique multi-function facility in PEI with 75,000 sq. ft. of wet lab, pilot plant, and biomanufacturing space, as well as the National Research Council of Canada’s Atypical Fermentation facility. It will provide facilities and services to researchers, entrepreneurs, and bioscience-based companies operating along the full One Health continuum.

“The One Health philosophy offers an innovative solution to bridge the gap between veterinary medicine, public health, and environmental science to confront the complex health challenges around the world,” said Francis. “We are committed to building capacity in this area in PEI, strengthening the bonds in our sector, and creating a healthier future for all.