One Health Day, celebrated on November 3rd each year, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. According to www.onehealthday.com, “One Health Day answers the urgent need for a One Health trans-disciplinary approach towards solving today’s critical global health challenges.” By fostering collaboration between veterinary and human medicine, we can develop innovative solutions that benefit all species.

Translational medicine plays a crucial role in this integration by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and research findings from animal studies to human applications. This approach has been particularly evident in the field of regenerative medicine, where advances in veterinary practices have paved the way for groundbreaking treatments in humans. VetStem has been at the forefront of stem cell therapy for veterinary patients for the last two decades. Our research and successful treatments in animals have informed human medical practices, showcasing how innovations in veterinary medicine can lead to significant breakthroughs in human health.

VetStem’s commitment to translational medicine culminated in the establishment of Personalized Stem Cells Inc., a company that focuses on developing stem cell therapies for human patients. By harnessing the advancements made in veterinary medicine, Personalized Stem Cells aims to create personalized treatment options for a variety of human ailments, including degenerative diseases and injuries, through their cell banking programs. This transition highlights the value of veterinary research as a vital resource for human healthcare advancements, underscoring the principle of One Health—where health solutions are derived from a comprehensive understanding of biological systems across species.

Today, November 3^rd, is One Health Day. According to the One Health Commission, “One Health Day answers the urgent need for a One Health trans-disciplinary approach towards solving today’s critical global health challenges.” At VetStem, we have seen this idea of “one health” in action with the creation of our human company, Personalized Stem Cells, Inc.

Personalized Stem Cells (PSC) was formed in 2018 to bring legitimate stem cell therapies to people. PSC used all of VetStem’s animal data to receive approval for two FDA approved stem cell clinical trials. The first clinical trial was for knee osteoarthritis in people, a condition that numerous dogs have received VetStem Cell Therapy for. The second clinical trial utilized VetStem’s intravenous injection data to receive approval to treat COVID-19 patients. Both clinical trials demonstrated solid safety and preliminary efficacy.

Moving forward, PSC plans to pursue an additional clinical trial for knee osteoarthritis, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) trial, and more! Additionally, PSC has the ability to bank stem cells for potential future use, much like VetStem’s StemInsure program. There are a few different programs through the FDA that may allow patients to access their stem cells.

But One Health has worked both ways for us. Interestingly enough, the success of the COVID-19 trial gave us the idea to use stem cells in the treatment of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). EEHV is a lethal viral infection that can cause a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease in elephants. VetStem has provided stem cell doses to several zoos in the United States who had elephants with EEHV and has gathered some promising data.

All of that is to say that at VetStem, we know a thing or two about One Health and we’re happy to bring awareness to this cause.  

In previous blogs, we have discussed the concept of translational medicine.  That is, when successes in one branch of medicine influence and translate into advances made in another branch of medicine.  We are a veterinary company with a sister human company, therefore we specifically focus on the way veterinary medicine translates to human medicine; a concept we refer to as “One Medicine.”  Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen several instances in which the veterinary community has assisted human healthcare providers.

Veterinarians Helping Human Doctors

While the current climate in which we are living has tested many of us, we have also seen people come together in ways that are truly unprecedented.  There have been several news stories highlighting the ways in which veterinarians are helping human doctors.  According to one article, veterinary hospitals in several states have donated or lent vital equipment and supplies to help human doctors in the fight against COVID-19.  These supplies include ventilators, masks, and gowns, all of which are or may be in short supply.  

According to the American Veterinary Medical association (AVMA), conservation of personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns, and gloves is critical due to the increased demand and subsequent shortage.  The AVMA, CDC, and FDA have all provided strategies for conserving personal protective equipment and veterinarians have already implemented protocols to conserve these essential supplies.  For instance, several veterinary hospitals have restricted or completely ceased all elective surgical procedures and have taken steps to minimize contact with pet owners, thus reducing the need for personal protective equipment.

Use of Animal Data to Develop COVID-19 Vaccine

Translational medicine is not new, however it tends to stand out in trying times like these.  In a previous blog, we discussed the use of animal data when developing a new human drug or technology.  According to a press release from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), scientists have already begun a Phase 1 clinical trial to test a potential COVID-19 vaccine.  The vaccine being tested has shown promise in animal models and this is the first time it is being tested in humans.

One Medicine

In these unprecedented times, we are seeing communities and people come together to help one another in ways some of us never thought possible.  While veterinarians all over the U.S. are doing their part to assist in the fight against COVID-19, we at VetStem have also joined the fight.  In an effort to reduce person-to-person contact, several of our employees have been working from home.  It is important to note however that as a provider of critical medicines, our laboratory continues to operate and process all stem cell requests.  Feel free to contact us with any questions.