Sergi Segarra: "Science is our main guarantee of safety and efficacy"

Sergi Segarra celebrates 14 years at Bioiberica this year, where he has led key animal health research projects and published over 30 scientific studies. A veterinarian by training and a PhD in medicine and animal health, Sergi transitioned from clinical practice to research to dedicate himself to what he is most passionate about: developing scientifically backed solutions that improve animal welfare. 

Now, from his new position leading the Animal Health R&D area, Sergi talks to us about his vision for veterinary nutrition, the role of functional ingredients, and the global challenges facing the sector.
 

You've been at Bioiberica for over a decade dedicated to animal health research. What do you find most exciting about your work?

Yes, I'll be celebrating 14 years at Bioiberica this year, and I feel truly fortunate for that. There are several aspects that I'm passionate about, but I would especially highlight the satisfaction of being able to add value to the business through science. Seeing how my work has a real impact on the company and the sector is something that motivates me every day.

Besides, I never get bored. The nature of our activity, combined with the challenges and needs that arise, means that no two projects are the same. Every year has been different, full of learning and opportunities, and I'm convinced that the coming years will continue to surprise me in ways I can't even imagine today.

You come from the world of clinical veterinary medicine, with experience in hospitals. What led you to make the leap to the world of research and product development?

I decided to study veterinary medicine because I wanted to dedicate myself to animal health, and at the time I thought that would mean working as a companion animal veterinarian. However, life opens unexpected doors for you. After several years in clinical practice, during my internship at the University of Bristol, I had the opportunity to participate in a research project, and that experience awakened an enormous curiosity in me about the world of R&D. From that point on, it became clear to me that instead of continuing the clinical path and doing a residency to specialize, I wanted to pursue a PhD. That was the turning point that eventually led me to dedicate myself to research, development, and innovation in industry.

We talk a lot about "functional ingredients," but what is really the difference between a functional ingredient and pharma products?

When we talk about functional ingredients, we're referring to components present in diets or supplements that, in addition to their nutritional value, offer additional health benefits. A good example in our case is Palbio®, a highly digestible and palatable protein with an interesting nutritional profile, but also with additional functionalities thanks to its bioactive peptides.

Pharmaceutical products, on the other hand, are developed to prevent, treat, or cure specific diseases. The approach is different, as is the regulatory framework. While a functional ingredient is evaluated for its complementary health benefits, a drug must demonstrate clinical efficacy and safety according to much stricter requirements.

How does nutrition work as "preventive medicine" in animals?

Nutritional supplements, in addition to their role in clinical support, represent an essential tool within a preventive approach to health. Although regulation doesn't require the same level of evidence as for drugs, at Bioiberica we advocate that a supplement should also be based on solid science: understanding its mechanism of action, ensuring its safety, and demonstrating its efficacy.

In animal health, supplements occupy a key space. They allow us to address clinical or management situations that are sometimes not completely resolved with medications and, at the same time, contribute to preserving long-term health and welfare. Their preventive use helps maintain balanced physiological functions, reduce the incidence of certain disorders, and minimize the need for pharmacological interventions. All of this without the adverse effects associated with many drugs.

If you had to explain to a pet owner why they should trust scientifically developed supplements and nutritional ingredients, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that science is the main guarantee of safety and efficacy. When a supplement is scientifically developed, we know it will work and that it will do so safely. When used appropriately, in the correct clinical situation, with the indicated dosage, and in the right patient, they can provide very relevant benefits for pets' health and wellbeing.

You've published over 30 scientific studies. Why is it so important for a company like Bioiberica to conduct rigorous research and publish in scientific journals?

Because it's part of our DNA and provides us with competitive advantages over competitors. At Bioiberica, we're committed to developing science-backed products. We don't conceive of launching a product to market without evidence that provides rigor and credibility. Working this way has led us to be perceived as a prestigious company. Additionally, publishing positions us as thought leaders and strengthens our recognition among global experts and opinion leaders. From my new responsibility leading the animal health area in R&D, I will continue to drive this approach that so clearly differentiates and defines us.

Looking to the future, what do you think will be the next big revolution in animal nutrition and health?

It's difficult for me to speculate precisely, but I imagine that, whatever it is, veterinary medicine of the future will incorporate two key components. The first is personalized medicine, or what in our field we could translate as increasingly individualized and tailored patient management. If we observe the evolution of products, diets, clinical guidelines, and management recommendations in different situations, the trend is clear: moving toward something that should be obvious, which is treating patients and not diseases. We're increasingly focusing more on segmentation, profiles, specific needs, and approaches more adjusted to the individual.

The second component, closely related to the first, will be the impact of artificial intelligence. We're already seeing its application in diagnostic tools and decision support processes, and I'm convinced it will end up playing a very relevant role in the comprehensive management of patients. Sooner than we think, we'll see a paradigm shift that we'll all have to adapt to, both in clinical practice and in the development of products, services, and solutions for animal health.

What is your "dream" as a researcher? Is there any animal health problem you'd like to solve in the coming years?

My dream as a researcher isn't to solve a single problem, but to make a real contribution to improving animal health and welfare through solutions with a tangible impact. For me, the greatest achievement is seeing that a product I've worked on truly helps veterinarians and pet owners in their daily lives.

Many clinical situations still represent unmet needs, especially those related to increased life expectancy in pets and ensuring healthy aging in senior patients. I'm also particularly interested in everything related to increasing antimicrobial resistance. In this context, the One Health approach takes on growing relevance: what we do in animal health has a direct impact on public health and the environment. That's why it's crucial to bet on innovative alternatives that reduce dependence on antibiotics and contribute to curbing antimicrobial resistance, one of the great global challenges. We have scientific tools and research lines that can clearly advance in this direction.

I believe the industry, and Bioiberica specifically, still has ample room to provide more effective, safer solutions based on well-defined mechanisms of action. If, in addition, we contribute to addressing global challenges, I'll feel that we've achieved a real impact. In summary, my dream as a researcher is to continue generating knowledge that translates into useful, rigorous products with impact.