Theo Kanellos, Zoetis, on "The Opportunities for Digital Transformation in Animal Health"

Conference TFNetworkSpring22

Digital Transformation
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Date: 5th May 2022
Time: 10:15 - 10:30 

Theo Kanellos qualified as a veterinarian from the Aristotle University of Thessalonica in Greece and has been awarded an MSc in microbiology and PhD in molecular medicine from the University of London. He also has a business diploma from the Ecole Supérieur de Commerce de Paris (ESCP). 

During his career he worked as a clinician, an academic, a governmental official and for the last seventeen years as part of the management within the Pharmaceutical Industry where he has held several strategic roles. He has managed research laboratories, business development and M&A transactions, scientific and multi-functional alliances teams and programmes in several organisations that have led to the spinoff of biotechnology companies, the award of significant scientific grants, the founding of major strategic partnerships and the registration and licensing of successful commercial products and services. 

In his current role in Zoetis, he establishes business transactions and entrepreneurial partnerships with companies, venture capitalist groups, universities, and governmental institutions, internationally and also is leading the Intergovernmental Tender and Grant Business. He holds a visiting professorship at the School of Health and Medicine at the University of Surrey, and he is a board member in several organisations including the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines in Africa, The Global Antimicrobial Research Innovation Fund, Action Group of the One Health Platform etc. He is ad hoc advisor in several EU and national scientific and veterinary organisations. He is the author of over 40 peered reviewed papers and his articles, presentations and interviews have also featured in many trade and public media.

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The Opportunities for Digital Transformation in Animal Health

The past few years have brought an unprecedented surge in pet adoption and an awareness of food security around the world. 

Both sectors depend heavily on healthy animals where aside from the increased demand of more traditional animal health products, we have experienced an increased momentum on Digital Health. 

But what does that mean exactly and what are buzzwords like telemedicine, wearable devices, precision livestock farming, and even smart health tools in the animal health-setting and how they can be of benefit to the vets, pet owners, farmers and of course to the health of animals? 

Advances in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and biosensors have enabled a significant number of digital companies and start-ups to emerge. In addition, there are significant advances in genetics, image analytic technologies, biomarkers etcm, which could complement well some of these digital tools and contribute valuable data to help develop precision animal health solutions. The relatively quick development timelines and lack of clear regulatory guidelines have led to a number of these technologies reaching veterinarians, the carers of the animals. 

Digitalisation is therefore, helping to drive value growth in animal health products but still the adaption of some of these technologies has not reached their optimum. New business models are now being evaluated that could potentially accelerate the adaption of these novel technologies.