 Biovitrum is quite out of the ordinary - a young biotech company with loads of experience. Active in the research of metabolic diseases and protein drug development, Biovitrum combines the expertise and resources of an established pharmaceutical company with the advantages of a startup – entrepreneurial spirit, quick decision-making and a core focus. |
 Biovitrum Founded: 2001 Publicly listed: No Number of employees: 900 Key business area(s): Metabolic disease research, protein research, development and blood fractional plasma Telephone: +46 8 697 20 00 Website Contact |
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| Biovitrum
– Not just any new kid on the block World-class capabilities “We are formerly part of Pharmacia, and before that KabiGen and KabiPharmacia, so even though we are ‘new,’ we have truly world-class competencies and capabilities,” says CEO Mats Pettersson. “With our size and specialization, our late-stage projects, a highly skilled group of employees and, perhaps most of all, our focus on creating value, we are al-ready one of the world’s most exciting biotechnology companies.” Biovitrum’s research portfolio is focused on innovative new treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity, two treatment areas representing large markets with tremendous demand for effective drugs. “In the areas we focus on, health care costs are staggering and there is an obvious need for new treatments and preventive measures,” says Mats Pettersson. “Our research programs are well-advanced and are based on novel, well-validated approaches.” The pipeline includes a number of projects in exploratory and optimization stages. Unlike the majority of biotech startups, Biovitrum has an extensive portfolio, with five late-stage research projects. One will move into phase 2 clinical testing this fall, with the four others scheduled for entering clinical testing over the next eighteen months. Biovitrum has access to an impressive range of know-how on every development stage – from identification of target molecules for specific indications, through pharmacology, to preclinical research and clinical testing. Add to that our exceptionally competitive expertise in developing protein drugs,” says Johan Kördel, Head of Research at Biovitrum. “A key strength is the tremendous experience we have from both the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. This means that our processes and quality are already top-rate. In fact, few companies can match our combined competencies in small molecules and protein therapeutics.” Recombinant protein therapeutics Tomas Moks, Head of Commercial Development, Biopharmaceutical, concurs: “The scientists at Biovitrum include many of biotech’s pioneers. KabiGen was one of the first biotechs in recombinant proteins, and as early as 1985 Pharmacia introduced a recombinant growth hormone, alongside Genentech.” Many interesting companies are being formed in biotech today, often as spin-offs from universities. Biovitrum is an ideal partner, by complementing their specialized expertise with its broad-based competence in turning ideas into drugs. “Biovitrum’s competence in the development of recombinant protein therapeutics is truly exceptional,” adds Tomas Moks. “And the fact that this competence is now available to the market for the first time is indeed timely. In the areas of genomics and proteomics, important new genes are being identified with potential as therapeutics. In fact, the focus on protein therapeutics has created a global shortage of capacity, and Biovitrum’s capabilities are extremely well-positioned to meet that demand.” Biovitrum has all the know-how and skills needed to develop a biopharma-ceutical, from early testing to finished product. This expertise, combined with a proven track record, makes it an attractive partner for many companies in joint venture projects, contract production or licensing agreements. “I am especially excited by the potential in genomics and proteomics, where many new drugs will be created,” Tomas Moks continues. “Totally new tools are being developed, and we will be there to take advantage of the opportunity to carve out a niche.” Plasma Products In addition to research and protein development, Biovitrum has a Plasma Products division, which produces a number of products from blood plasma and recombinant proteins for use in treating hemophilia and immunological disorders as well as in intensive care. It specializes in the development, production, marketing and sale of plasma proteins, both recombinant and from blood plasma. Among others, the division has a production and marketing agreement with American Home Products/Genetics Institute on ReFacto, a recombinant therapy for hemophilia A. Supporting innovation “The competition is tight, and our scientists share responsibility for ensuring that Biovitrum remains innovative. That’s what a biotech company is all about!” says Mats Pettersson in conclusion. “Biovitrum is an outward-looking company with strategic alliances with academic and commercial partners. Our new partnership with the Karolinska Institute will be a valuable asset for accessing new information and creating a dynamic exchange with world-class scientists.” |
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