In the bustling heart of Phileo’s research and development hub, we sit down with three esteemed scientists:
- Dr. Lamya Rhayat,
- Dr. Cécile Sampsonis, and
- Dr. Achraf Adib
to delve into the intricate workings of the company’s ASI (Animal Science and Innovation) R&D team, that composes the ASI department with the Animal Technical Center.
The mission of the R&D is to design High Value & Customer Science-Based Solutions powering Innovation for Sustainable Animal Nutrition & Health while the Animal Technical Center has the mission to drive and transform innovation into business success by providing to our customers an open access to Phileo Best Global & Local Technical Expertise. The ASI R&D teams combine diverse complementary scientific expertise and they also daily work with cutting edge R&D platforms at the Forum, including notably with the Formulation Platform, and our applicative R&D center at the Farm in Toulouse.
This dynamic trio, representing the Microbiology, Immunology & Toxicology (MIT) Team, the Biotic Engineering Team, and the Applied Animal Science Team, respectively, share their unique responsibilities and how their collaborative efforts drive Phileo’s innovative solutions.
Dr. Lamya Rhayat, leading the MIT Team, sets the stage: “Our role is to take a holistic approach to screen innovative solutions and understanding their mode of action in animals and their ecosystems. We develop in-vitro tools and conduct assays to enhance our knowledge and improve the performance of Phileo’s products.”
She continues, “Our expertise spans four key pillars: immunity, microbiology and microbiome, toxicology, and in-vitro digestive tools. By leveraging these areas, we can propose strategies and models to screen the most promising solutions, all while strengthening our skills in emerging technologies, animal welfare, and environmental footprint.”
Complementing Lamya’s team, Dr. Cécile Sampsonis, head of the Biotic Engineering Team, explains their critical role in transforming biotic concepts into finished products. “We power product innovation by designing the optimal vectorization strategies, based on our deep understanding of the intrinsic resistance and techno-functional properties of the biotics.”
Cécile elaborates, “Our four-pillar approach includes product knowledge and design, assessment of biotic activity, feed process and technology, and modelling biotic persistence and stability. This allows us to anticipate early technological screening, develop new methods and toolkits, and support product efficiency at the active site in animals.”
Rounding out the trio, Dr. Achraf Adib, leading the Applied Animal Science Team, shares their mission to develop innovative and visionary solutions for each species. “We build R&D roadmaps that align the company’s vision with its strategy, while serving as the reference for scientific knowledge related to the nutritional, health, and welfare needs of each animal species.”
Achraf emphasizes the team’s collaborative nature, “We work closely with the MIT and Biotic Engineering teams to design robust studies, analyse, interpret the results, and communicate the animal findings generated from in-vitro and in-vivo research. Our expertise spans efficacy studies, data, microbiome and bioinformatic analysis, nutrition and performance, digestibility & palatability, animal health & disease management, welfare and environmental impact assessments.”
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that the synergy between these three teams is the driving force behind Phileo’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. “We inspire and challenge each other constantly,” says Lamya. “Our complementary skills and shared passion for innovation allow us to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of what’s possible in animal nutrition and health.”
Cécile nods in agreement, “By combining our unique perspectives and leveraging our collective knowledge, we can transform biotic concepts into tangible products that truly make a difference for our customers and the environment.”
Achraf concludes, “At the heart of our collaboration is a deep commitment to scientific excellence and a relentless pursuit of solutions that enhance animal health, performance, welfare, and sustainability. Together, we are shaping the future of the animal nutrition industry.”
As the interview draws to a close, it’s evident that the ASI Global team’s collaborative approach is the cornerstone of Phileo’s innovative prowess, empowering the company to stay at the forefront of the industry and deliver transformative solutions that benefit animals, people, and the planet.
