Biotechnology for Animals and Humans
Interview with Dr. Christina Boss, CEO of SAN Group Biotech Germany GmbH
Modern diagnostics and vaccine development play a central role in animal health - and thus also in consumer protection. With state-of-the-art diagnostics, autogenous vaccines, and a unique full-service offering, SAN Group Biotech Germany GmbH is an important interface between research, veterinary medicine, and consumer protection. CEO Dr. Christina Boss discusses strengths, challenges, and future plans of a hidden champion in biotechnology in the interview.
Wirtschaftsforum: Dr. Boss, you have been the managing director of SAN Group Biotech Germany GmbH since the beginning of 2024. What attracted you to this role?
Dr. Christina Boss: I am a veterinarian and have been working in the diagnostics industry for over 20 years. The transition to a company that combines diagnostics, vaccine production, and lab services in one location was both technically and strategically very exciting for me.
Wirtschaftsforum: This year, your company is celebrating its 20th anniversary. From your perspective, what have been the crucial milestones?
Dr. Christina Boss: Certainly, a key step was the establishment of our new production building, which was completed in 2022 after four years of planning. It meets high GMP standards and allows the production of autogenous vaccines at an almost unique level in Europe. Additionally, we have established a strong segment for in vitro diagnostics with the brand ‘Kylt’. And not least, our integration into the SAN Group in 2021 was an important development step – with more resources, network, and international reach.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes your company structure and your offerings so special?
Dr. Christina Boss: Our strength lies in the combination of veterinary expertise, our own diagnostic laboratory, and the development of individual vaccines. We see ourselves as partners of veterinarians: we see what is needed locally and can respond specifically to that. Particularly in the field of livestock – poultry, pigs, cattle, but also fish – we offer a complete portfolio: From molecular diagnostics through vaccine development to food safety analyses. In doing so, we cover the entire value chain – from egg to schnitzel.
Wirtschaftsforum: You talk about tailored vaccines – what can one imagine by that?
Dr. Christina Boss: Autogenous vaccines are individual solutions that we develop for a specific stock. So, there is no 'blockbuster', but many specialized products that are exactly matched to the local infection scenario. We see ourselves a bit like custom tailors – or as I like to say: We sew penguin suits, very special and very precise. This ensures effective prevention and at the same time reduces the use of antibiotics – an important contribution to animal welfare and food safety.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the central challenges in your industry?
Dr. Christina Boss: Infectious diseases are still a central issue – both from a consumer protection standpoint and for international trade. Pathogens do not stop at national borders. Therefore, it is crucial to quickly identify what you are dealing with – and to act accordingly. Our proximity to veterinarians and our high sample volume help us to recognize developments early and to counteract them specifically.
Wirtschaftsforum: How large is your team, and what role does corporate culture play in this context?
Dr. Christina Boss: We currently have about 250 to 270 employees. Interestingly, about 65% of them are women – which is quite typical for the biotechnology sector. Issues such as the compatibility of family and career are therefore not only important to us but also very present. For instance, we tried to establish our own large-scale daycare to relieve our employees. Unfortunately, the legal conditions are complex. I see a significant societal need for action here.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does belonging to the SAN Group play?
Dr. Christina Boss: Being integrated into the SAN Group gives us support, for example, in regulatory matters, international sales, or technical investments. At the same time, we are not just a small cog in the wheel – we make up about half of the group. The owning family comes from the agriculture sector and brings a lot of understanding and genuine commitment. This isn’t some anonymous private equity structure, but a living corporate culture with heart and mind.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is your focus for the coming years?
Dr. Christina Boss: Three topics are at the top of the list: Firstly, digitalization, to simplify our processes and make them more efficient. Secondly, the further development of our employees – both professionally and personally. And thirdly, and this is a personal concern for me: The compatibility of family and career needs to be rethought not only within the company but also as a society. If we want to remain attractive as employers, we must find new solutions together.