Start-up Bioscibex, which grew out of an EPFL research laboratory, is on a mission to transform the manufacture of biological medicines. Currently, the commercial-scale cell culture process involves seven complex, costly and contamination-prone steps. However, with its innovative bioreactor, Bioscibex reduces these steps to two, thereby minimising costs, contamination risks and errors. In development for almost a year, the technology aims to help the pharmaceutical industry move towards safer and more efficient production. The start-up has just moved into the BioArk site in Monthey, where it will benefit from a dynamic ecosystem to support its development.
Bioscibex’s bioreactor addresses the key challenges of manufacturing biological drugs. “Biopharmaceutical companies lose billions due to problems associated with manual steps and the risk of contamination,” explains Chloé Albietz, the company’s co-founder. By drastically simplifying the process, the bioreactor reduces costs and the risk of errors. With proof of concept now validated and three final prototypes ready, the start-up is preparing to demonstrate the technology to customers for the first time. ‘This step is crucial to validate the technology before the commercialisation stage,‘ she explains.
Commercial launch in sight!
Bioscibex is currently focusing on two major objectives: finalising the industrialisation of its bioreactor and consumables, and preparing for the product’s market launch. The company has completed its first round of pre-seed funding. It is now embarking on its second round of fundraising, which will enable it to carry out its first production run for customers. ‘This fundraising is essential to launching our product on the market,’ emphasises Chloé Albietz.
At the same time, Bioscibex will soon be strengthening its team with the hiring of a Field Application Specialist, who will provide support for customer demonstrations.
Bioscibex has joined BioArk, an ecosystem that fosters innovation in the life sciences. It has also joined The Ark Foundation’s start-up incubator, which will help it develop its innovation from both a technical and commercial perspective.
➡️ Further information: https://bioscibex.com
