When hard work follows a powerful idea, anything is possible: The Next Biosciences Story
Next Biosciences is a visionary biotech company dedicated to advancing medical solutions through the translation of scientific research into accessible products and services that redefine the existing limitations of healthcare. This year they celebrate 20 years of chasing the impossible and changing lives.
All great visionaries turn limitations into opportunities
In 2005, Kim Hulett recognised an opportunity to offer stem cell banking to South Africans and obtained a licence to store stem cells with Smart Cells in the UK.
One year later, with investment from the Netcare Hospital Group and the onboarding of Dr Yvonne Holt as a founding partner and Chief Medical Officer, Netcells biobank was officially launched in South Africa.
The foundations of strong companies are built on strong partnerships
Hulett’s background in finance and boundless entrepreneurial spirit, paired with Holt’s passion for medicine and commitment to learning, provided the ideal platform to oversee the growth and development of an innovative idea into a reputable company at the forefront of cutting-edge medical technology.
Celebrating 20 years of business innovation
From the implementation of South Africa’s first stem cell bank at Netcare’s Unitas Hospital in 2006, to the design of their state-of-the-art laboratory in Midrand and management buy-out from Netcare in 2008, Hulett and Holt steadily advanced their business interests and cemented a strong partnership invested in their shared vision.
Establishing consistent engagement with market demands, medical practitioners and scientific breakthroughs, the company progressively integrated into different areas of medical health products and services. In 2012, they established a biologics division which developed pioneering regenerative wound-care products from the placenta.
2016 saw the introduction of genetic testing to the South African market, saving patients the expense of having to send DNA samples overseas, where they have established themselves as market leaders in the reproductive health space Genetic testing remains a core business component and area of constant lobbying with medical aid companies to cover patient costs.
In 2020, Next Biosciences quickly adapted to the Covid pandemic by processing Covid tests for Netcare healthcare workers - and later for the general public through the set-up of drive-through testing sites nationwide, requested by Discovery Health. When international travel resumed, Next Biosciences was appointed as Emirates preferred partner, as they were able to offer rapid Covid testing within 60 minutes turnaround time at OR Tambo. They were also commissioned to set-up a Covid testing laboratory for the government in Zambia.
The promise of a healthy future
Next Biosciences is currently invested in regenerative health, (stem cells, exosomes, wound care products), genetic screening for reproductive health (genetic testing from pre-conception to post-birth), and longevity health (lifestyle genetic testing \gut microbiome testing).
Their incredible vision has been well received by doctors and allied health professionals, and they have obtained the various required licences from the Department of Health and SAHPRA.
Corporate Social Investment strategies include a Families of Hope programme and Community Bank partnership with the South African Bone Marrow Registry, both of which facilitate the access of stem cell therapy to financially disadvantaged families in need of a potential cord blood transplant.
With expansion into Africa and the GCC and many new products in the pipeline, Next Biosciences paints a promising picture for the future of personalised medicine and biotechnology.
A refusal to be limited by limiting beliefs
The Next Biosciences journey has not been short of challenges, but it has consistently and unwaveringly challenged obstacles in the face of a profound belief in the possibility of investing in science and putting South Africa on a par with the global offering of medical biotechnology.
The American Association of Blood Banks and ISO accreditation status and all-round operational excellence has earned Next Biosciences the esteemed recognition as an industry leader, and if their trajectory of innovation prevails it will certainly be worth keeping an eye on of where they lead in the next decade.