Hester Biosciences

Hester Biosciences Limited is a company engaged in manufacturing poultry vaccines and large animal vaccines, and trading poultry health products and large animal health products. Its segments include the poultry division and the large animal division. It provides products across poultry vaccines, large animal vaccines, health products, and diagnostics. Its product range includes vaccines, drugs, feed supplements, and disinfectants.

<div>Hester Biosciences Limited is a leading Indian animal healthcare company and ranks as the second-largest poultry vaccine manufacturer. The company has expanded its operations from a small proprietary trading business to become Asia&rsquo;s largest one-stop shop for animal biologicals with a strategic presence in 30+ countries focusing on key markets in India, Nepal, and Tanzania.&nbsp;</div>

Driving livestock productivity using next-generation biotechnology

Livestock Biotech

Hester Biosciences Limited is one of India's leading animal healthcare companies and the second largest poultry vaccine manufacturer in the country. The company offers a diverse range of products, including vaccines and health products for poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, and pets. Hester's key offerings encompass the world's largest Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine portfolio and an extensive poultry vaccine lineup.

Hester Biosciences sees 40% fall in PAT on lower demand for goat pox vaccine

Hester Biosciences acquires technology to develop H9N2 avian influenza vaccine for poultry

Hester Biosciences Limited

Hester Biosciences to repurpose BSL-3 facility as Covid vaccine demand tapers off

Hester Biosciences boosted by strong demand for goat pox vaccine

Hester Biosciences Ltd Share Price Today: Live HESTERBIO Share Price NSE/BSE

Hester Biosciences Ltd Share Price Today: Hester Biosciences Ltd Stock Price Live NSE/BSE, Hester Biosciences Ltd Latest News, Quotes and Financial Results

Promoting the health, well-being, and ethical treatment of animals

Animal Therapeutics

Hester Biosciences Ltd leads gainers in 'B' group

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 Hester Biosciences Limited is a leading Indian animal healthcare company and ranks as the second-largest poultry vaccine manufacturer. The company has expanded its operations from a small proprietary trading business to become Asia&rsquo;s largest one-stop shop for animal biologicals with a strategic presence in 30+ countries focusing on key markets in India, Nepal, and Tanzania.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Its product portfolio includes inactivated vaccines, live vaccines, and animal and poultry healthcare products, alongside offering specialized services such as seroprofiling for poultry and mastitis control programs for cattle, with a focus on disease prevention programs, curative therapies, immunity boosting programs, and disease diagnosis through scientific diagnostic aides.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 
 Hester Biosciences has partnered with several major organizations to enhance its global outreach and product effectiveness. Notable partnerships include those with the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, GALVmed, and Golchha Organisation and a recent venture into the Egyptian market with Novapharma.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 Hester Biosciences is publicly traded on the NSE under the ticker HESTERBIO. In FY2023, it reported a revenue of USD 30.4 million, marking a 16% YoY increase.
 
 
 
 
 In April 2022, the company received an INR 60 crore (~USD 7.2 million) grant from India&rsquo;s Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) to manufacture Covid vaccines under Mission Covid Suraksha.
 
 
 
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 Aviabiotic (formerly Chicken Probiotic) is a biotechnology company innovating in poultry health. The company specializes in creating probiotics engineered for enhanced thermostability, elimination of antibiotic resistance, and dependency on corn sugar, making them environmentally friendly. These probiotics are designed specifically for integrated poultry operations, addressing both health and efficiency in poultry production.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 Aviabiotic's latest funding was a grant received in 2020, which has facilitated the development and commercialization of its specialized probiotics.&nbsp;
 
 
 
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Aviabiotic

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 ZeaVaxx is an animal healthcare company using advanced biotechnology to improve vaccine effectiveness for animals. Its plant-derived nanoparticle adjuvant platform claims to offer advantages over aluminum-based ones that are falling short in current animal vaccine formulations due to low efficacy and compatibility issues. This platform is designed to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccines to ensure that the vaccines can provoke a stronger and more effective immune response in animals.
 
 
 
 
 ZeaVaxx flagship product, Zea-11, is a proprietary glucan-based nanoparticle derived from plants. Zea-11 claims to offer simplified extraction and chemical finalization, making it the first economically viable nanoparticle adjuvant for animal vaccines.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 In June 2018, the company secured USD 50,000 in pre-seed funding from the Purdue Ag-celerator.
 
 
 
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ZeaVaxx

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 Malcisbo, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), is a Swiss biotechnology company developing novel vaccines for animal and human health. The company focuses on glycoengineering technologies to create efficient glycoconjugate vaccines to address bacterial diseases that impact animal health, human food safety, and zoonotic diseases.
 
 
 
 
 Its primary product offerings target Campylobacter infections in humans (to reduce food poisoning from chicken meat) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (to reduce economic losses in the swine industry due to mortality, growth retardation, and the need for antibiotics).
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 As of May 2024, the company had been awarded 10 grants totaling CHF 3.5 million (~USD 3.8 million).
 
 
 
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Malcisbo

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 eggXYt is an Israeli biotech company that specializes in ultrasound technology for eggs. The company has developed a non-invasive, pre-incubation sex detection technology for chicken embryos, named seXYt, which allows poultry farmers to separate male and female layer chicks before incubation. This process claims to prevent unnecessary incubation of over 8 billion male layer chicks annually, which are otherwise disposed of after birth due to their unsuitability for the industry. These eggs are then repurposed and used outside the food industry, leading to lower costs and reduced resource waste in hatcheries.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 
 In November 2020, the company signed an R&amp;D licensing agreement with Tropic Biosciences to develop Avian influenza resistance in chickens through gene editing.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 eggXYt has received over USD 2.5 million in funding from the European Union through the Horizon 2020 SME Program for its sex detection technology and to expand its research into new areas such as disease resistance in poultry.
 
 
 
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eggXYt

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 BioRefic is a Latvian biotech company that develops biorefinery technology to produce advanced prebiotic ingredients and microbial Omega-3 fatty acids. It primarily serves the animal feed and aquaculture sectors by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional feed ingredients. Biorefic&rsquo;s products, which include xylooligosaccharide prebiotic (a gut microbiome enhancing ingredient to improve health and immunity and boost performance), are designed to enhance animal health and efficiency, thus reducing the overall environmental impact of agriculture.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 BioRefic has raised a total of EUR 250,000 in funding over two rounds, with its most recent funding coming from a non-equity assistance round supported by RootCamp. 
 
 
 
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BioRefic

Companies that offer solutions that edit (gene editing) or modify (gene modification) an animal's genome in a precise and targeted manner using methods such as TALEN's, CRISPR/Cas9, recombinant retroviruses, and sperm-mediated DNA transfer. The techniques change the existing genome to improve/express desired traits in livestock. The segment also covers companies that use an AI-based platform or otherwise to offer diagnostic testing services of the animal's genome that help livestock farmers identify genetic changes or diseases present in herds.

Companies that offer next-generation vaccines based on developments in DNA technology (e.g., mRNA vaccines) and biotechnology. The segment also includes medicines developed for the prevention and treatment of livestock diseases.

Companies that use a range of genetic techniques that can alter the DNA of animals more precisely than traditional breeding techniques. Techniques such as gender selection via sexed semen, genomic selection, or even gene editing methods like CRISPR are used to breed animals precisely with superior genetic traits.

Companies that produce natural ingredients or biological additives that can be added to animal feed for purposes such as improving nutrient uptake and the gut microbiome.

Biotech solutions to grow livestock that are of better traits and sustainable

Uses AI/machine learning to facilitate their platform/biotech processes like gene editing

Offers customization of genes and traits as required by farmers

Hester Biosciences Limited is one of India's leading animal healthcare companies and the second largest poultry vaccine manufacturer in the country. The company offers a diverse range of products, including vaccines and health products for poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, and pets. Hester's key offerings encompass the world's largest Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine portfolio and an extensive poultry vaccine lineup.
Hester's animal healthcare division witnessed an 18% decline in revenues in Q3 FY24 due to lower sales of its goat pox vaccine following moderation in demand after the initial surge to protect cattle against the lumpy skin disease outbreak. The discontinuation of two animal health products also impacted sales. However, the poultry healthcare division posted an 8% revenue growth aided by increased vaccine demand and strong performance in health products.
In December 2022, Hester acquired the technology from ICAR-NIHSAD to develop and commercialize an inactivated H9N2 avian influenza vaccine for poultry. This indigenous vaccine using a local isolate addresses a significant unmet need and holds commercial potential for Hester in domestic and international markets.
Hester reported a 40% year-over-year decline in net profit for Q3 FY24 due to lower contribution from high-margin goat pox vaccines, impacting profitability. The company outlined strategic initiatives, including expanding its health products portfolio, upgrading key vaccines, and focusing on the pet care segment to drive future growth.
As of March 2023, Hester obtained regulatory approval for a Bio-Safety Level-III facility initially proposed for human vaccine development. The company is considering repurposing this facility for manufacturing human or veterinary vaccines after consultation with relevant authorities.

KeraVet Bio is a veterinary wound care company that develops keratin-based prescription products for dogs and cats. The company's flagship product, KeraVet Gel, is a wound management solution formulated to address mild and severe wounds, post-surgical incisions, and various dermatological conditions in pets. KeraVet Gel is made from a proprietary blend of keratin and utilizes patent-protected keratin technology. The product serves as a protective covering over wounds and is designed to improve healing time while reducing the need for cones or other lick deterrents. Clinical studies have shown that wounds treated with KeraVet Gel experienced significantly less swelling compared to those treated with triple antibiotic ointment in dogs and cats. The gel also demonstrated a reduction in licking behavior, with dogs licking 85% less and cats licking 87% less compared to a well-known wound management product. KeraVet Gel is available by prescription from veterinary practitioners and is distributed through major veterinary product distributors. The company is headquartered in the Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

KeraVet Bio

Eir Pharmaceuticals was a development-stage biotechnology company that operated in multiple markets, including animal health, human consumer, and human health. The company's proprietary biotechnology platform was designed to develop and commercialize health, wellness, and pharmaceutical products across these diverse sectors. Eir Pharmaceuticals aimed to leverage its technology to capture value from various applications and target different customer segments within the broader healthcare industry.

EIR Pharmaceuticals

ProteaPex Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies and dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Their key product offering is ECPF-1, a novel therapeutic compound that has demonstrated chondroprotective properties in a rat model of osteoarthritis. In October 2023, the company presented findings from a study where ECPF-1 was administered through weekly injections to rats with osteoarthritis. The results showed that the knee cartilage of treated animals had less degradation and more healthy cartilage compared to untreated controls, even four weeks after the last injection. This suggests that ECPF-1 has the potential to slow the progression of osteoarthritis by protecting cartilage from further damage.
ProteaPex Therapeutics' platform technology revolves around Extracellular Matrix Protection Factors (ECPFs), a class of compounds derived from their research on cartilage biology and chondrocyte differentiation. In addition to ECPF-1, the company is also developing dietary supplement products based on this platform.

ProteaPex Therapeutics

MedcoVet offers a patented at-home laser therapy treatment device for pets suffering from arthritis, pain, and other inflammatory conditions. The company's technology allows veterinarians to prescribe clinical laser therapy for their patients to be administered in the comfort of their homes. MedcoVet's devices utilize photobiomodulation, a scientifically proven technique that relieves pain and expedites healing in animals.
The company partners with veterinarians, shipping the treatment devices directly to pet owners while providing telemedicine support to ensure proper usage. This approach enables veterinarians to offer laser therapy as a primary treatment modality without the inconvenience and expenses associated with in-clinic sessions. As of 2023, MedcoVet had 77 prescribers across 13 states in the US, experiencing a 50% quarter-on-quarter growth in prescribers during the previous quarter.
Several veterinary professionals and pet owners have reported significant improvements in their patients' mobility, reduced swelling and discomfort, and the ability to lower medication doses after using MedcoVet's at-home laser therapy devices. The company's technology has been praised for revolutionizing the application of laser therapy in veterinary medicine, making it more accessible and convenient for pet owners.

MedcoVet

Hilltop BioSciences, co-founded by Amanda Drobnis, is a veterinary biotech company pioneering the development of innovative regenerative therapies. Their flagship product, Regenaflex, is a room temperature, easy-to-use regenerative allograft available in injectable or membrane form. It stimulates cell-to-cell communication essential for healing soft tissue by delivering a potent combination of cytokines, microRNA, growth factors, and exosomes to the affected area. Regenaflex accelerates tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and minimizes scar tissue formation, making it a more effective and faster therapy compared to traditional treatments.
Initially focused on equine applications, with over 7 million horses in the US, Hilltop BioSciences has expanded into the companion animal market. Their product line includes Regenaflex-K9 for treating acute trauma, chronic infections, inflammation, non-healing wounds, anal gland abscesses, and fistulae in dogs. Regenaflex-M Biofilm is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adhesion scaffold that accelerates healing and prevents postoperative complications like adhesions and suture leakage after abdominal or orthopedic surgeries. PureOptic, their eye drop formulation, normalizes damaged ocular tissue resulting from injuries or diseases.
A key differentiator of Hilltop Bio's products is their long-term room-temperature storage, consistent composition in every dose, and the ability to be reconstituted and ready to use within a minute without any special equipment or time-consuming processing. As of January 2023, the company had raised funding led by Launchpad Venture Group and other Boston-based investment groups to expand its product pipeline leveraging its intellectual property portfolio.

Hilltop BioSciences

Companies that offer specialized therapeutics for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in animals. This includes areas such as cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Companies that develop vaccines and drugs for pets and livestock based on advanced research and biotechnologies such as DNA technology, with a specific focus on the treatment and prevention of diseases and medical conditions in animals.

Companies that use regenerative techniques and technologies to promote tissue repair, regeneration, and healing in animals. This involves stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, tissue engineering, gene therapy, and wound healing treatments.

Companies that provide veterinary diagnostic services, which include a wide range of tests, procedures, and laboratory services to diagnose, monitor, and manage the health and well-being of animals. This includes laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, and genetic testing.

Companies that provide specialized treatments aimed at extending the lifespan and improving the overall health and quality of life of animals, including companion animals and livestock. These approaches are designed to address the challenges of aging, prevent age-related diseases, and enhance the well-being of aging animals.

Offers advanced diagnostics and insights for animal health using AI/ML

Offers products and services specifically designed for diagnostics and treatments based on advanced genomic sciences

Offers personalized preventive care and specialty care for animals

Hester Biosciences

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