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.