1. History and mission

The advent of advanced genetic engineering techniques in the 1970s, allowing genetical modification of microorganisms paved the way for biotechnological production of therapeutically relevant proteins. In 1978, the first recombinant human protein (insulin) was produced in Escherichia coli and was finally approved in the US in 1982. By 1988, four more biologics, human growth hormone, hepatitis B vaccine, alpha-interferon and tissue plasminogen activator had received marketing approval by the FDA.

Since then, the number of approved biologics as well as their commercial relevance significantly increased. According to 2015 IMS Health Report, biologics are expected to represent 19-20% of the drug market by value in 2017. Correspondingly, a large number and broad variability of biologic drugs is currently being developed by various small, medium sized as well as large companies.

Furthermore, the period of marketing exclusivity of several of the best-selling biologic drugs ends until 2019, opening numerous opportunities for introduction of biosimilars and follow-on biologics. 

In 2016, a novel platform focused on biologic drugs was founded by biotechnet and the NTN SwissBiotech. The mission of the biologics platform is to connect academic and industrial players devoted to research and development in the field of biologic dugs in Switzerland, leveraging the existing expertise and initiating new research cooperation, and ultimately expediting the development of novel biologics in Switzerland.

2. Platform members

The platform is lead by Prof. Dr. Oliver Germershaus and is currently in its initiation phase 

2.1 How to become partner

The partnership fee is CHF 500.- per year. Please contact Prof. Dr. Oliver Germershaus  (oliver.germershaus@fhnw.ch ) for details.ß

4. Projects

(no platform projects yet)