OUR PIPELINE

Besides our core capability in animal cells, we have a strong and exciting pipeline which goes back to our unique relationship with the University of Edinburgh. The university is one of our shareholders and we have privileged rights to IP from the university’s Roslin Institute. The Roslin Institute is a global leader in animal science and genetics, famous for its cloning of Dolly the Sheep.

Two attractive pipeline opportunities include leveraging our cells for animal health, and developing superior insect lines for protein production.

Insects are an emerging alternative protein source. As a core pillar of a circular agricultural environment, insects can turn low quality food waste into higher quality proteins, oil and fertiliser. Insect protein also has the potential to replace the highly unsustainable fishmeal.

To make insect protein more attractive, the production cost need to come down. A key approach is to start with better insects, which can be developed through breeding and genetic programmes, similar to the breeding programmes that have been in use in poultry, pigs, and cattle for the last 50-100 years.

At Roslin Tech, we have set up a breeding program for black soldier fly, one of the most used sources for insect protein. We have established a genetic nucleus where our black soldier fly populations are housed and bred. We are currently evaluating multiple lines that we are testing with commercial producers.

We are world-leading experts in animal iPS cell development, with lines currently available in multiple species, both livestock and pets.

Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to turn into any type of cell found in the body. Similar to human health, cell therapies have tremendous potential to treat chronic diseases in pets such as diabetes and arthritis. Our cell lines offer a new avenue for potential treatments.