Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 4/12/17


Smithfield Foods, Inc. has launched a new strategic platform organization that leverages byproducts from the meat production process for the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and medical device solutions.

Smithfield Bioscience was created to support a range of biotechnology solutions in areas of human therapeutics, tissue fabrication and regenerative medicine, according to the company.

"Our commitment to innovation and sustainability stretches across all aspects of our company," said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. "Smithfield Bioscience reflects these same values by finding new uses for byproducts that benefit the health and well-being of others."

Today, Smithfield sells byproducts to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies that use those materials to develop drugs that treat a range of issues, from indigestion to hypothyroidism to deep vein thrombosis. Smithfield Bioscience will expand on those efforts by exploring new methods and technologies for addressing concerns such as tissue regeneration and the availability of viable human organs for transplantation. A dedicated team is solely focused on the responsible and transparent pursuit of science-based endeavors.

One of Smithfield Bioscience's first projects is the participation in the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), a public-private U.S. manufacturing initiative that brings together 100 organizations across academia, advanced robotics and pharmaceutical to develop next-generation technologies and manufacturing processes for cells, tissue and organ development.
With funding from the Department of Defense, the consortium is initially focused on technologies that would enable the repair and replacement of human tissue of soldiers injured in combat. Smithfield Bioscience also is working with Harvard Medical School and Columbia University on the research and development of immunology therapies.

"Smithfield is a longstanding leader in sustainability and renewables with a broad geographic presence and strong manufacturing expertise," said Courtney Stanton, vice president of the new Bioscience Group for Smithfield Foods. "With these capabilities, our vertical integration and a reputation for transparency and quality, Smithfield Bioscience is well-positioned to help the U.S. medical and pharmaceutical industry achieve significant, scalable developments in biologics."

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