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

"Our commitment to innovation and sustainability stretches across all aspects of our company," says Kenneth Sullivan, president and CEO. "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 to develop drugs that treat a range of issues, from indigestion to hypothyroidism to deep vein thrombosis. Smithfield Bioscience will expand upon these efforts by exploring new methods and technologies for addressing concerns such as tissue regeneration and the availability of viable human organs for transplantation. This dedicated team is solely focused on the responsible and transparent pursuit of these science-based endeavors.

One of Smithfield Bioscience's first projects is the participation in the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), a Manchester, N.H.-based public-private 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. Smithfield Bioscience is also working with Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., and Columbia University, New York, 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," says Courtney Stanton, vice president of the new Bioscience group. "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 industries achieve significant, scalable developments in biologics."