After the establishment of the Ypsomed-funded Diabetes Center Berne in June 2017, the Swiss city welcomes a new R&D center for biotherapeutic products. Fruit of a partnership between biopharmaceutical company CSL Behring and the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine (sitem-insel), the Biologics Research Center will be based on the Inselspital campus, where a new sitem-insel facility is currently under construction. Around 50 researchers from CSL Behring’s early clinical R&D division will work in the new building when it opens its doors in spring 2019.
A long tradition of cooperation
According to Dr. Adrian Zuercher, Head of Research at CSL Behring Bern, the proximity to the university hospital is a major advantage for the development of novel, patient-oriented products. CSL Behring intends to develop therapeutics for applications in its traditional fields of activity, such as immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. However, new products in areas such as transplantation and neurology are also to be researched, Communication Manager Sandra Ruckstuhl told the Berner Zeitung. The company is investing “a seven-figure amount” in the construction of the center.
CSL Behring and the Inselspital have a long tradition of cooperation, having worked together in the area of research and development for the past 60 years. sitem-insel will strengthen and give new impetus to this collaboration.
