LISA - Advancing Austrian life science at the heart of Europewww by Sonja Polan

Advancing Austrian life science at the heart of Europe

www.LifeScienceAustria.at

Contents > Life Science in Austria

Advancing life science at the heart of Europe

> Therapeutics

Cancer: the major medical challenge in Europe today Infectious diseases: vaccines and anti-infectives

> Medical technology

Keeping a step ahead with Austrian components Surveying the device innovators

> Ones to Watch in Austria The pioneers of tomorrow

> Production and Platform Technologies Better, faster, cheaper

> Advanced Analytics and Diagnostics The diagnostic value chain

> LISA

Committed to the prosperity of Austrian life sciences

08 11 14 16 21 24 27

Voices about Austrian life sciences Prof. Josef Penninger, Director of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) and founder of Apeiron Biologics AG: ”Although the life science scene in Austria is small, it is underpinned with excellent resources that contribute towards its enormous development potential. Austria provides an environment where one can be adventurous, not just as a scientist and entrepreneur but also as an investor. Where good ideas flourish, success will follow.“ Dr. Hans-Otto Maier, Senior Vice President CoE AIS from B. Braun Melsungen AG: ”Our long-standing and very successful collaboration with the Graz universities and research institutions in the fields of clinical application, medtech and sensor technologies have convinced B. Braun to establish a development site in Graz.“ Mag. Michael Farthofer, Director of AKAtech Produktions- und Handels GmbH: ”Through the opening up of the EU, Austria is now truly at the heart of Europe. A highly-trained workforce, excellent productivity and reasonable wage levels are all important factors supporting Austria as a premiere business location. In addition, government support for start-ups and company expansion, as well as an attractive funding environment, are important reasons for choosing Austria.“ DI Matthias Schmied, Manager of GE Healthcare Austria GmbH & Co OG: ”For a high-tech company such as GE with a long tradition in the medtech sector, the skills and loyalty of our employees are an important factor in competing on a global stage. In addition, because of GE‘s strong focus on research and development, the Austrian government‘s extensive direct and indirect funding options are crucial.“

Dr. Regina Hodits, Wellington Partners: ”Over the past decade, Austria has established itself as a wellrespected hub of the life science industry. What made Austria an interesting place for me to invest are the close links between solid academic research and outstanding medical practice, access to highly skilled and dedicated scientists and managers, paired with an active start-up community, and last, but certainly not least, an extremely effective government support system for innovative companies. I will continue to actively look for new investment opportunities here, and I am confident that we will see more and more innovations being translated into high value products stemming from Austria.“ Mag. Elgar Schnegg, MBA, CEO of Biocrates Life Sciences AG: ”Austria and Tyrol create a proactive climate for life sciences: the FFG‘s funding and support for innovation and the entrepreneurial approach of the Austria Wirtschaftsservice GesmbH (aws) together contribute to an excellent environment for innovative biotechnology companies.“ Dr. Wolfram Strobl, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care Adsorber Tec GmbH: ”There is outstanding life science research and teaching at both the Danube University and the FH-IMC University of Applied Sciences as well as an excellent local infrastructure with attractive regional and national programmes and tremendous opportunities for cooperation at the Technopol Krems. This all combines to provide the correct business environment needed for innovative companies like Fresenius Medical Care to pursue its R&D efforts.“

www.LifeScienceAustria.at

Life Sciences in Austria

Advancing life science at the heart of Europe. The life science sector in Austria is renowned for its sustainable growth and a lively, creative and highly innovative approach that is rooted in its world class engineering and science. As a not-for-profit organisation, Life Science Austria (LISA) promotes Austria as a rich resource for biotechnology, medical technology and diagnostic companies, including enabling technologies and related service providers. Austria is a key European life science location that is recognised internationally as a strong source of lead drug candidates, products, technologies and services.

The life science industry in Austria is fully diversified with

population of just over 8 million, that marks a very significant

companies large and small as well as a number of multina-

contribution to life science in Europe. It is also a key compo-

tional companies headquartered in or with facilities here

nent of the Austrian economy and one that is valued and sup-

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; though it is small to medium-sized companies that predo-

ported by the national and regional governments.

minate across a whole range of disciplines. The truly remarkable factor in the Austrian life science scene is the degree of

This thriving environment of successful and innovative com-

cooperation between producers, networks of suppliers and

panies has put Austria firmly on the European life science

service providers all within a short distance, meaning that

map. The combination of global players with research facili-

the results are truly Made in Austria!

ties in Austria and young, dynamic start-ups in close cooperation with excellent universities creates an ideal environment

Austria has over 210 life science companies employing ap-

for the development, growth and prosperity of the Austrian

proximately 11,500 people. Over 90% of these are small and

life science industry. The average Austrian biotechnology

medium sized companies. Additionally, there are around

company is just 7 years old, yet the industry has reached a

600 companies acting as suppliers to the industry for com-

critical mass within a very short time period and has grown

ponents and services meaning that in many cases the va-

into a major economic force.

lue chain is entirely Austrian. In addition to well-known large multinationals including Baxter, Boehringer-Ingelheim,

The life science industry in Austria can be categorised in vari-

Greiner Bio-One, Ottobock, Roche and Sandoz, many of the

ous ways, but for the purposes of this brochure we will be co-

other companies are themselves market leaders and are well

vering the following four industry sectors which we believe

known to global industry experts. For a small country with a

reflect the full range of the Austrian life sciences:

Life Sciences in Austria

> Therapeutics > Medical Technology > Production and Platform Technologies > Advanced Analytics and Diagnostics Austria – the place to do business

These investments come on top of a whole series of international venture capital investments in Austrian life science companies. In 2010, funding of the Austrian biotech sector totalled around € 79 million from venture capitalists, private investors, grants, loans and other contributions. A

In recent years, the strength of the growing life science sec-

further € 37 million was invested in Austrian medical tech-

tor has been reflected in the increasing interest shown by

nology companies.

international business in doing deals with companies in Austria. And it is not just the proliferation of corporate deals that

So why does Austria have such a great reputation for life

shows Austria in a good light, the country is also proving to

science investment? The New York-based Reputation Ins-

be an attractive location for operations and significant in-

titute has conducted a study that shows Austria is ranked

ward investment for a number of multinational companies.

ninth out of 50 countries in terms of trust, reputation, admiration and positive image. Also, the Mercer Study 2011

Since 1982, the American group Baxter has been running its

ranked Vienna as the city with the highest standard of li-

biggest subsidiary outside the US and its most important re-

ving in the world. Austria’s extensive infrastructure and its

search site worldwide in Austria, with over 4,000 employees.

enviable location at the geographic heart of Europe are also

More than 900 scientists from home and abroad are current-

significant reasons. Add in additional factors such as the ex-

ly working on the discovery of new drugs as well as the en-

cellence of the Austrian workforce, the renowned quality of

hancement of medications that are already on the market.

its education system and the top-tier status of its research

Baxter’s biosciences division in Austria focuses on developing

institutions, and it is easy to see how many companies find

and manufacturing biotechnological and biopharmaceutical

Austria a compelling location for doing business.

therapeutics of which 90 percent are being exported. The German prosthetics manufacturer Ottobock has also located a key facility in Austria, improving and restoring the lives of

Infrastructure Great infrastructure is a key driver of the life science indus-

patients all over the world.

try in Austria. Across Austria, a succession of science parks, The globalised pharmaceutical industry including B. Braun, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Roche, and Sandoz has set up extensive production and research facilities in Austria. They are not alone. The following is a list of some of the more notable businesses investing in Austria:

AB Enzymes Abbott Laboratories AstraZeneca AT&S austriamicrosystems B. Braun BASF Baxter Bayer Boehringer Ingelheim Capsugel Carl Zeiss DSM Eli Lilly Fette Pharma AG Fresenius GE Healthcare

GlaxoSmithKline Henkel Hoffmann-La Roche Infineon Johnson & Johnson Lonza Merck & Co. Novartis Novo Nordisk Pfizer Roche Sandoz Sanofi-Aventis Siemens Stölzle Südchemie

incubators and tech transfer initiatives has ensured the growth of the indigenous industry as well as attracting a plethora of established multinational concerns. This is an ongoing process with a constant stream of new initiatives and investments being added to the existing ones. Vienna has the longest standing network of state-of-theart technology hubs. Both the city and the state of Austria are in the process of establishing a € 52 million cuttingedge shared core facility located at the renowned Campus Vienna Biocenter. Other recent developments include the establishment of a € 10 million Vienna Institute of BioTechnology Equipment at LifeScience Vienna Muthgasse. The city of Krems in Lower Austria is the location of the world-class Krems Bio Science Park, a recent development with 48,000 m2 of space for tailor-made facilities for biotech manufacturing and research.

04 Graz in Styria has also established an enviable series of state and regionally funded developments in support of the Styrian life science industries. In 2010, it constructed the Medical Science City which incorporates the groundbreaking ZWT Centre for Medical Technology Transfer.

Austria’s world class research base Austrian medical universities focus on state-of-the-art R&D for new therapeutic substances with more than 55,000 peo-

The University of Graz focuses on research and education in

ple involved in medical research. The Medical University of

the molecular biosciences, specifically in the areas of enzymo-

Graz is one of three Austrian Medical Universities with a si-

logy and physiology, while the Veterinary University in Vienna

gnificant research impact. The university focuses on four

deals mainly with the field of veterinary medicine and is also

international research areas (Cardiovascular, Cancer, Mole-

increasingly exploring avenues related to human medicine.

cular Bases of Lipid Associated Diseases, Neuroscience) and

Their main research objectives include the fast detection of

a Cross-Sectional Topic „Sustainable Health Research“. The

epidemic diseases and the development of pre-emptive, di-

Innsbruck Medical University focuses on molecular biosci-

rect measures to prevent epidemics and provide healthy food.

ences, neurosciences, cancer, molecular imaging and sports medicine. Innsbruck Medical University also hosts several

The Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) loca-

internationally renowned projects including the „Austrian

ted in every centre of population across Austria are further

Proteomic Platform“ and „Oncotyrol“ which both attract

engines of research and a valuable source for life science rec-

scientists from all over the world. The Medical University

ruiters looking for highly skilled technicians, laboratory staff

of Vienna is strong in interdisciplinary and translational re-

and future industry business professionals.

search as well as in clinical programmes covering multiple disciplines including allergology and immunology, oncology,

Alongside the universities, the Austrian Academy of Sciences

neuroscience and vascular medicine.

(AAS) is the leading organisation promoting non-university based academic research institutions in Austria. The AAS‘s

Besides the medical universities, there are also renowned

life science research portfolio is conducted in institutions in-

academic bodies that significantly contribute to life sciences

cluding the Research Centre for Molecular Medicine (CeMM),

research in Austria and that have generated many success-

the Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI),

ful life science spin-offs. BOKU, for instance, is the main uni-

the Institute for Biomedical Aging Research (IBA) and the Ins-

versity in the country for natural resources and life sciences,

titute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA). It is also worth no-

while the Graz and Vienna Universities of Technology play an

ting the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Aus-

important role in life science research and in the training of

tria), a PhD granting institution located in the Vienna Woods

skilled engineers.

and one of the principle locations of research in the natural sciences including bioscience and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), Austria‘s largest non-university research institute with a research focus on grand societal challenges. The Max F. Perutz Laboratories (MFPL) are part of a joint research and training centre affiliated with the University and Medical University of Vienna, where 530 scientists pursue discovery research and offer education in the area of molecular biology. Research at the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) spans a wide range of topics, broadly organised into four themes: life at the molecular and cellular level, information processing

Life Sciences in Austria

and storage in neural circuits, developmental mechanisms of organisms and diseases, and interdisciplinary approaches that combine ideas and methods from other fields to answer biological questions. The common goal in all of these areas is to elucidate the mechanisms and principles that underlie complex biological processes. The Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft (CDG) and the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft (LBG) were set up to foster cooperation between different partners in science and industry. For seven years, CDG had based its research facilities, the Christian Doppler (CD) Laboratories, at universities or external research institutions where highly qualified scientists work closely together with industrial partners to find innovative solutions for scientific challenges in industrial applications. The research institutes of the LBG deal with questions related to medicine, humanities, social sciences and cultural sciences and are characterised by their cooperation with institutional partner organisations. The LBG is financed through both public and private resources and assures the high quality of its research through regular international evaluations.

From bench to boardroom Arguably, much of the recent investment success would not

res careful nurturing in a supportive funding environment. Austria has developed a wide range of national and regional funding schemes to back new companies embarking on this journey towards business success. Focusing on start-up ideas in biotechnology and medical devices, austria wirtschaftsservice, the Austrian government promotional bank, provides financial support through two custom-designed funding programmes: PreSeed LISA and LISA Seedfinancing. PreSeed LISA provides funding for the critical phase before a life science company is actually set up. Costs relating to the implementation of the science and the development of a business plan for a project can be funded with non-refundable awards of up to € 200,000.

have been possible without a government that backs innovation and supports outstanding academic research. The re-

Setting-up

sulting cutting-edge research at Austrian universities is the

high-tech company needs significant know-how, courage

source of technology transfer to the many start-up compa-

and capital. LISA Seedfinancing from austria wirtschafts-

nies proliferating in the Austrian life science scene. The Aust-

service supports this start-up phase by providing up to

rian government is committed to this burgeoning sector and

€ 1 million, combined with business advice. This Seedfinan-

is helping to foster a business environment that allows these

cing is then refunded to the austria wirtschaftsservice at the

young spin-off companies to thrive. With R&D investment in

point a company is making a profit or is sold. Importantly, in

2011 at an all-time high of 2.79% of GDP, Austria already in-

contrast to bank or other more traditional loans, there is no

vests far more into R&D than the EU average which was 2.01%

requirement for customary securities. However to qualify for

in 2009 (Innovation Union Competitiveness Report 2011). The

this funding a company must be partly and suitably funded

government‘s new strategy for research, development and

through private capital. Other austria wirtschaftsservice ini-

innovation aims even higher: to make Austria an innovation

tiatives to support life sciences include guarantees and loans.

innovative,

internationally

competitive

leader within the European Union and to raise the share of R&D investment to 3.76% of GDP by 2020. There is also a very

These two powerful finance streams are complemented by

supportive and attractive tax regime, an R&D cash premium

financing vehicles from other Austrian agencies, including

of 10% and a maximum corporate income tax of 25%.

the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) which supports basic research, and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

Sources of finance

which manages applied research funding with an annual

The most innovative ideas in life sciences only make a diffe-

on life sciences projects. As part of this remit, the FFG is also

rence once they‘ve survived the journey from the laboratory

responsible for organising the Centre‘s programmes which

bench to commercial launch. However, that journey requi-

are among the most successful technology policy initiatives

budget of € 430 billion from which about € 70 billion is spent

06 in Austria. These programmes are internationally recognised

related synergies to obtain a global competitive advantage.

as models of best practice and provide support to over 1,500

Another successful programme run by the FFG is AplusB. It

researchers from science and industry, working together on

supports innovative, technology-oriented spin-offs from the

jointly defined areas of research at more than 40 centres.

academic sector. By founding so-called AplusB centres, the

The success of these funding initiatives in recent years has

ring the difficult process of turning a good idea into a viable

in turn resulted in the development and launch of the CO-

business. This involves counselling and assistance during the

MET (Competence Centres for Excellent Technologies) pro-

actual start-up phase as well as firmly establishing entrepre-

gramme in 2006 which provides special support for those

neurship in academic theory and practice. At the moment,

research activities which operate both at the cutting-edge

eight AplusB centres have been established in which quali-

of technology and also promise a high international profile.

fied start-ups are currently being counselled.

programme provides professional support for scientists du-

COMET has a budget (from the Austrian state and regions as well as industry) of € 1.4 billion to invest between 2006

In addition to the financial sources outlined above, there is

and 2019 with the aim of systematically leveraging content-

also a wide range of regional funding available.

A country of many parts

Region by region, the life science indus-

and particular strengths that are re-

and diagnostic sectors as well as pro-

try is spread across Austria from the ca-

flected in the industries located there.

viders of enabling technologies and re-

pital Vienna to the powerhouses of Sty-

Organised through regional life science

lated service companies located in the

ria, Tyrol and Upper and Lower Austria.

clusters, LISA represents companies in

following regions:

Each region has its own special culture

the therapeutic, medical technology

Region

Regional cluster organisation

Mission statement

Regional government funding

Lower Austria

ecoplus

ecoplus connects companies and markets, science and business, research and application, ideas and opportunities. We are there for you. ecoplus has pioneered the development and funding of „Technopols“ as centres for technology and business:

In Lower Austria the following organisations provide research grants or support for company funding:

> Technopol Krems for medical biotechnology > Technopol Tulln for agrobiotechnology and environmental biotechnology

> Accent – initial financial support for founders > NÖBEG – supporting early stage financing and company gowth > Tecnet Equity – providing venture capital

> Technopol Wiener Neustadt for modern industrial technologies Styria

Human.technology Styria

Human.technology Styria is a membership organisation with world-leading reputations in biobanking and biomarker technologies, process engineering for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and advanced biomedical sensor technologies.

Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung (SFG) is an agency owned by the Styrian government, attracting businesses to relocate, expand and advise on access to grants and financing.

Life Sciences in Austria

Region

Regional cluster organisation

Mission statement

Regional government funding

Tyrol

Life Sciences Cluster Tirol

Life Sciences in Tyrol – strong in personalised cancer medicine, medical device development and pharmaceutical industry

Tyrol offers seven funding programmes for R&D projects worth up to € 900K – for example, the following programmes receive funding: > feasability studies, > translational research, and > k-Regio (a regional programme for competence centres).

Upper Austria

Health Technology Cluster

The Health Technology Cluster > Innovative Upper Austria of Upper Austria is an inter2010 plus – € 50 million sectoral network aiming to available for life sciences increase innovation capacity > Grants and loans from and international competitivethe Upper Austria Research ness of companies in the health Challenge technology sector, including their suppliers, relevant research as well as healthcare facilities. Due to the Upper Austrian strength in the field of medical technology, the main focus is on ultrasound technology, analytics & diagnostics, electronics, medical engineering as well as equipment and frame construction.

Vienna

LISAvienna

In Vienna, Austria‘s biggest life science location, LISAvienna (Life Science Austria Vienna) provides information and advice for potential startups and new arrivals, as well as for life science businesses in general. The five core activities of LISAvienna include consulting, marketing, qualification, networking, and the compilation of life science related strategic studies.

There are also a number of national umbrella organisations in support of the Austrian life sciences industry. The Austrian Biotech Industry‘s (ABI) goal is to give both the public

In Vienna, several agencies supplement federal funding: > ZIT – The Technology Agency of the City of Vienna > Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF) > Vienna Business Agency > INiTS – the university business incubator

LISA’s commitment Life Science Austria (LISA) is committed to the development,

and decision makers an understanding of the biotechnology

growth and prosperity of the Austrian life science indust-

industry‘s potential and needs. Austromed represents the

ries as a leading component of the Austrian economy, and

interests of companies that are active in the development,

is confident Austria will continue to see significant growth.

production, processing and trade of medical devices in Aust-

On the international front, LISA also works towards Austria

ria. FOPI is the association of research-based pharmaceutical

becoming a country known worldwide for the excellence of

companies based in Austria. FOPI strives to make the benefits of innovative medicines easily accessible for each affected patient as well as for the health care sector as a whole.

its life science sector. LISA is run by austria wirtschaftsservice (aws) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth. More details about LISA can be found on the last page of this brochure. We hope to have captured your attention for the rest of this brochure where you can read many success stories demonstrating how much Austria punches above its weight!

Therapeutics Challenge Cancer

Cancer survival rates are higher in Austria than in many other countries in Europe. This is a tribute to the Austrian medical profession but also to a long list of pioneering businesses supplying services, treatments and innovative technologies. Austria is at the forefront in the fight against cancer in Europe and plays a leading part in the worldwide campaign with several pioneering initiatives.

As there are many different kinds of cancer affecting a wide ran-

example is the Austrian Breast & Colorectal Cancer Study

ge of biological mechanisms and organs, the field needs multi-

Group (ABCSG), an important Austrian organisation that per-

disciplinary teams working together to tackle it. Be it innovative

forms internationally successful clinical trials in breast and

immunotherapy, novel molecular targets or radiation therapy,

colon cancer. A radical treatment initiative for breast cancer

researchers and oncologists throughout Austria are working to

patients with small tumours and non-affected lymph nodes

develop and commercialise diagnostics and treatments.

in ABSCG hospitals resulted in a remarkable 80% breast pre-

Primary research: the frontiers of oncology At the core of Austrian cancer research are multidisciplinary

servation. This is three times better than the similar statistic for Austria 25 years ago and even exceeds preservation rates seen in the USA. There are currently 23,000 women participating in ABCSG studies which is an astonishing number considering a small country like Austria.

research networks bringing industry, healthcare and primary research together. It is these networks that have arguably

There are several pioneering research institutes in Austria

helped Austria lead Europe in the fight against cancer. For

that combine basic medical research and industrial partner-

instance, the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna (CCC)

ship. One of them is the Institute of Molecular Biotechno-

established by the General Hospital, the Medical University

logy (IMBA), a basic research institute of the Austrian Aca-

of Vienna seeks to discover mechanisms leading to cancer

demy of Sciences. There, an international team of scientists

development and progression with the goal of improving

conducts primary research to study molecular mechanisms

the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of malignant disea-

of biological processes and to address questions in modern

ses, reducing morbidity and mortality from cancer. Another

life sciences and biomedicine. The aim is to understand the

Therapeutics Challenge Cancer

elementary mechanisms of health and disease. To reach this goal a wide array of model organisms as well as advanced technologies in cell biology, structural biology, biochemistry, genomics and genetics are used. The CeMM Research Centre for Molecular Medicine is a flagship research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences which is pursuing a new medical focus. Driven by medical needs, CeMM integrates basic research and clinical expertise to pursue innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches focused on cancer, inflammation and immune disorders. The goal of CeMM is to assist in preparing the predictive, preventive and personalised medicine of the future. The Children‘s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) is nationally and internationally renowned for its multi-disciplinary approach to decoding pathogenesis mechanisms and for improving diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancers in children and adolescents.

portant goal worldwide and a key driver behind the research of a consortium of scientists at Oncotyrol. This Centre for Per-

In addition, Boehringer Ingelheim is pioneering innovati-

sonalised Medicine is using cutting-edge research to provide

ve approaches to cancer therapy in Austria alongside its

answers as to why cancer treatments work with some pati-

research powerhouse, the Research Institute of Molecular

ents but not others. The efforts of the consortium are being

Pathology (IMP) and industrial biotech partners such as f-

further strengthened through its collaboration with the new-

star. These collaborations support Boehringer Ingelheim‘s

ly established Austrian Drug Screening Institute (ASDI) where

team of 240 scientists in Vienna, enabling the company to

expertise is applied to both basic and translational research,

be a key player in cancer research. The IMP, in particular, is

with the aim of tailoring therapies to treat tumour patients.

a world-renowned research facility generating high impact peer-reviewed research and attracting top scientists to focus

For example, the department for Medical and Pharmaceutical

on cellular growth regulation and the complex biological pro-

Biotechnology at the FH-IMC University of Applied Science

cesses underlying disease. Boehringer Ingelheim is also one

Krems is very well recognised in the identification of predic-

of the leading companies for contract development and GMP

tive biomarkers and personalised medicine, carrying out sta-

production of biopharmaceuticals. Additionally, Boehringer

te-of-the-art research in 3-dimensional organotypic tumour

Ingelheim‘s clinical research for Central and Eastern Europe,

modelling, cell-based assays, high throughput screening and

Israel, Turkey and South Africa is coordinated from Austria.

biomarker identification. The Department for Health Sciences

Diagnosing and screening for cancer

and Biomedicine at the Danube University Krems is working in Health Service and Management. Furthermore it is working in clinical medicine with a special focus on internal medicine

As with all cancers, early screening and diagnosis are vital

and regenerative medicine including orthopaedics, sports

for selecting an optimal treatment regime. Really accurate

medicine and complementary medicine.

diagnostic tests that can pinpoint the disease in its very earliest stages can be critical to a positive outcome. Add to that companion diagnostics that can help detect patients who are

New treatment approaches

likely to benefit from a treatment and it is easy to see that

In the last 50 years, cancer therapy has advanced conside-

cutting-edge diagnostic and screening technologies for com-

rably, but there is still much work to be done in order to find

mon cancers can therefore really save lives! Austria has long

treatments that can improve quality of life and outcomes

been an engine of innovation in cancer diagnostics.

with minimal side effects. The following examples span a whole series of disciplines and detail where Austrian doctors,

Finding a way to tell which patients will benefit from a treat-

scientists and businesses have been leading the way in the

ment and which will not, i.e. „personalised medicine“, is an im-

fight against cancer.

Therapeutics Challenge Cancer

Vaccines and immunotherapeutic approaches are an impor-

While vaccines and other immunotherapeutic methods are

tant means to combat cancer and to stop the spread of the

important, there need to be treatment options for patients

disease within the body. Apeiron Biologics is an Austrian

with more advanced stages of the disease. Chemotherapy

company developing innovative immunotherapeutics, sig-

and anti-cancer drugs will therefore continue to play an im-

ning, amongst others, an agreement with Merck KGaA on

portant and integral role in many cancer treatment regimes.

the rights to develop and commercialise a novel biological

New or modified anti-cancer molecules with improved po-

treatment for neuroblastoma and other cancers (currently

tency and efficacy as well as reduced side effects and toxicity

in phase III trial).

are being discovered and developed by companies like Tube Pharmaceuticals who are cultivating powerful anti-cancer

Both Activartis Biotech, a spin-off from the CCRI, and CELL-

drugs called cytolysins. This new class of natural substan-

MED Research with its spin-out Life Research Technologies,

ces has demonstrated outstanding potency against dividing

are specialists in tumour-immunotherapy and are develo-

cells, including cancer cells in initial proof-of-concept studies

ping therapeutic cancer vaccines for unmet cancer needs.

by conjugations towards small molecule, polymers, peptides,

The approach is based on the use of antigen-presenting IL-12

proteins and antibodies.

dendritic cells which help the immune system to recognise and destroy tumour cells. Activartis, a subsidiary of AOP

MedAustron is one of the most advanced centres for ion

Orphan, is a specialist in cancer immune therapy. The com-

beam therapy and research in Europe and is based in Wie-

pany has developed a proprietary cancer vaccine technology,

ner Neustadt. The irradiation therapy will be performed with

Trivax, patented in 2002. The technology utilises antigen-

carbon ions or protons. The centre is currently under cons-

presenting IL-12 secreting dendritic cells which instruct the

truction and technical test operating will start in 2013 with

immune system to recognise and destroy tumour cells. Ac-

the first treatments carried out by 2015. In the full operational

tivartis‘ Trivax technology is currently part of a randomised

phase up to 1,400 patients per year will benefit from this in-

clinical phase II efficacy trial with about 90 metastatic brain

novative treatment option.

cancer patients. CELLMED Research, founded in 2006, is an Austrian life science company focused on research and de-

Overall, Austria offers both world class primary cancer re-

velopment of cellular therapies, in particular on the manu-

search and dynamic therapeutic as well as diagnostic innova-

facturing and clinical application of cellular immunotherapy

tion and development. Considering the high quality of Austri-

for the treatment of solid tumours. A clinical study in Phase

an hospitals, it is perhaps unsurprising that Austria is leading

I/IIa on the safety of PROCURE® for the treatment of ovarian

Europe in the battle against cancer.

cancer is under way.

Biobank Graz

The Biobank Graz comprises populati-

the last 30 years, representing all detec-

by Prof. Huppertz and takes a leading

on-based and disease-focused collec-

ted diseases at their natural frequency

position in the pan-European network

tions of biological material, covering a

of occurrence, such as common meta-

called „Biobanking and Biomolecu-

huge variety of diseases. It is one of the

bolic disorders like diabetes as well as

lar Resource Research Infrastructure“

world‘s largest biobanks, containing

cancer and non-cancer diseases from

(BBMRI). This project aims to build a

more than 5 million samples from about

all organs and all age groups. Tumour

coordinated, large scale European infra-

1.5 million patients. Its unique value co-

material is available for further research

structure of biomedically relevant, qua-

mes from its collection of unselected

and biomarker development, enabling

lity-assessed collected samples which

pathological samples and clinical data

rapid scientific progress in the fight

can be linked to related clinical and epi-

from the entire Styrian population of

against cancer. The Biobank Graz is led

demiological information.

Therapeutics Global pandemics and local infections

Therapeutics Leading the fight against global pandemics and local infections Infectious diseases are a substantial health threat and a leading cause of death worldwide. Hospital-acquired infections with multi-drug resistant microbes have become increasingly common, with about 9 million cases worldwide and a mortality rate of around 4.5%, creating a risk for patients and a burden on healthcare systems. A number of highly innovative Austrian companies are transforming the world of antibiotic therapy or working on novel vaccines and therapeutics, including those that deal with the threat of pandemic flu and other infectious diseases.

Challenging the global threat of influenza

nal intramuscular injection. The fact that AVIR uses live at-

Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease. According to

strains. In contrast to common inactivated vaccines current-

the World Health Organisation, 15% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s population

ly used worldwide, this approach has the potential to induce

suffers from a seasonal influenza infection each year, leading

cross-protective immunity with significantly higher protec-

to 250,000 to 500,000 deaths per year. At least five Austrian

tion rates. With its reverse genetics virus generation method

companies including AVIR Greenhills Biotechnology, Baxter, Intercell, Marinomed Biotechnologie and Savira Pharmaceuticals are developing innovative ways to combat this debilitating

tenuated viruses and a cell-culture based production method enables faster and more efficient production of new vaccine

as well as production on Vero cells, AVIR is able to produce vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza strains such as H5N1 or H1N1 more quickly than using traditional me-

viral infection and to prepare for possible future pandemics.

thods which rely on an egg based manufacturing process.

AVIR Green Hills Biotechnology AG specialises in virology, de-

Another world leader in the all-important area of develop-

veloping unique therapies against influenza and other viral

ment of new influenza vaccines is found within the Austrian

infectious diseases, and cancer. Its main product deltaFLU is

operations of the global pharmaceutical company Baxter. For

a live attenuated replication-defective influenza virus vaccine that is delivered by a nasal spray rather than by the traditio-

influenza, Baxter, like AVIR, does not use eggs to produce its vaccines. Instead, it uses a unique Vero cell technology plat-

Therapeutic vaccines On the basis of the company‘s own patent positions, AFFiRiS develops tailor-made peptide-based vaccines for Alzheimer‘s disease, atherosclerosis, Parkinson‘s disease, hypertension, diabetes and several other conditions with unmet medical need and attractive market sizes. Alzheimer‘s is the current lead indication. For the Alzheimer‘s vaccine programme, a license and option agreement with GlaxoSmithKline was closed in October 2008, triggering an upfront payment of € 22.5 million. The contract envisages (milestone-dependent) payments of up to €430 million. A first milestone payment of € 10 milform which is one of the most advanced cell culture systems

lion was made in October 2009 followed by € 3.5 million as

employed for the large-scale production of both seasonal and

announced recently. AFFiRiS currently employs 85 highly qua-

pandemic influenza vaccines. This approach also benefits from

lified staff at the Campus Vienna Biocenter in Vienna, Austria.

being faster and more flexible than traditional egg-based methods. Baxter‘s influenza activities build on a strong historical foundation. With the acquisition of Immuno AG in 1997, Bax-

Bug busters

ter acquired long-standing, first class research know-how that

With the development of penicillin, many people believed

laid the foundation for its global success in the vaccine area.

that the worldwide fight against bacterial infections was over. How wrong they were! Even in the early years, the first signs

Another vaccine developer, Intercell – the first, and until now

of antibiotic resistance were emerging. But the pharmaceu-

only, Biotech company to IPO in Austria – is working on a new

tical industry looked the other way rather than develop new

approach against pandemic influenza. It involves the use of

classes of antibiotics to challenge the development of resis-

Intercell‘s adjuvant patch (Vaccine Enhancement Patch) con-

tance. Today we are confronted with the fact that antibiotic

taining LT in combination with GSK‘s H5N1 pandemic antigen.

resistant pathogenic bacteria are emerging everywhere with

The VEP has the potential to enhance the immune response

no new therapeutic tools at hand. Nabriva Therapeutics is one

of existing injected pandemic influenza vaccines. Intercell is

of few biopharmaceutical companies developing a new class

also active in the fight against Tuberculosis. A combination

of antibiotics called pleuromutilins, specifically to address se-

of the Statens Serum Institute‘s novel Tuberculosis subunit

rious infections in humans caused by antibiotic resistant pa-

vaccine candidate and Intercell‘s proprietary IC31® adjuvant

thogens. The pleuromutilins interfere with bacterial protein

entered a Phase II clinical trial in January 2012.

synthesis by interacting with the 23S rRNA of the 50S bacterial ribosome subunit. This constitutes a novel mode of action

It is not just vaccines that matter in the fight against influen-

that shows no cross-resistance with other classes of anti-

za. Broad spectrum antiviral therapeutics can also play a part,

biotics. Recent clinical Phase II data for Nabriva‘s lead pleuro-

and Austria has two companies with breakthroughs in this

mutilin, BC-3781, have demonstrated proof of concept for the

area. Marinomed Biotechnologie already has an anti-viral na-

treatment of serious skin infections and bacterial pneumonia.

sal spray against the common cold on the market. This cold

Recently Forest Laboratories signed a collaboration agree-

therapy is unique in having an active ingredient, called Carra-

ment for BC-3781 amounting to USD 25 million.

gelose® which has clinically proven antiviral activity against common cold. In fact, Marinomed has discovered that this

Another pioneering Austrian company is taking a different

polymer derived from red seaweed is an effective inhibitor

approach to traditional antibiotics. Arsanis Biosciences is

of around 200 respiratory viruses including Influenza A infec-

developing cocktails of highly potent human monoclonal

tions. Novel structure-based influenza therapeutics are being

antibodies which are involved in targeting multiple microbial

developed by Savira pharmaceuticals. Among its pipeline of

antigens. The company‘s major focus is on life-threatening

potential products are fully rationally designed polymera-

infections caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens, or which

se inhibitors targeting the unique influenza cap snatching

are associated with high mortality. Intercell has a vaccine in

mechanism. Savira signed a license agreement with Roche

clinical trials against Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is re-

which could trigger milestone payments up to € 240 million.

sponsible for as much as 10% of hospital-acquired bacterial

Therapeutics Global pandemics and local infections

infections. It is undergoing a Phase II/III trial which, if suc-

pounds target musculoskeletal or cardiovascular diseases.

cessful, could lead to another valuable weapon in the fight against killer infections in the hospital setting.

Cartilage damaged by injury or infection can lead to crippling joint problems that until recently, could only be reme-

Finally, natural substances, particularly those sourced from

died through synthetic joint replacement. However, there

a marine environment, are an increasingly popular source of

are regenerative approaches in development. Arthro Kinetics

products with real utility as antibacterial or antiviral thera-

researches, develops, manufactures and markets biological

peutics. SeaLife Pharma® is an innovative marine biotechno-

implants in the field of regenerative medicine for the treat-

logy company focusing on the discovery and development

ment of the human musculoskeletal system. The company‘s

of new bio-active compounds. Their research is based on the

products to regenerate articular cartilage are CaReS – a pa-

chemical diversity of unexplored marine microbes and broad

tented collagen type I matrix colonised with cells of the pa-

experience in the anti-infective area at all relevant levels

tient – and CaReS-One Step – a cell-free, CE-marked implant

from basic research to clinical development. At the moment

based on the same collagen matrix as CareS.

SeaLife is pre-clinically developing its first lead group of 16 novel compounds filed in two patents against nosocomial

Baxter is one of the world leaders in Biosurgery and pio-

bacterial infections. With other promising compounds in the

neers regenerative medicine through the use of stem cells

pipeline, SeaLife will become a reliable partner for big phar-

in life-threatening chronic diseases. Building on more than

ma in the field of novel drug discovery and development.

30 years of experience with Tissucol/TISSEEL fibrin sealant, interdisciplinary approaches have led to the development of

Regenerative medicine

innovative therapies with higher safety and efficacy profiles and improved ease-of-use characteristics. Novel biomaterials

One consequence of severe bacterial infections can be dama-

for haemostasis, orthopaedics, sealing, adhesion prevention,

ged tissue in the form of wounds, ulcers or necrotic lesions

and tissue regeneration form a strong pipeline of products.

around muscle or bone. Repairing that damage is one of the challenges of modern medicine and Austria has a few compa-

The Vienna-based AlgOss Biotechnologies was founded at

nies that stand out in this field.

the end of 2002 and since then has been focusing on the research, development and production of medical devices

Tissue Med Biosciences (TMB) develops novel therapies for

using marine red algae. The company is the first and only ma-

regenerative medicine based on human recombinant prote-

nufacturer of bioactive, completely absorbable bone forming

ins. A unique human dendritic cell line established by TMB

materials of plant origin that can be used in regenerative me-

serves as platform for all developments. The company is

dicine. The products are inorganic calcium phosphate bioce-

focused on the development of its lead product, a biologic

ramics in granular form that have a specific interconnecting

(TMBP-3) for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. Other com-

porous microstructure.

Big Pharma is actively participating in Austria GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has signed li-

syndrome. GSK‘s strategic alliance with In-

agreement for an Austrian biotech com-

censing deals with three Austrian bio-

tercell is for the company‘s patch against

pany. Boehringer Ingelheim is backing f-

techs (Apeiron Biologics, Intercell and

pandemic flu (phase II). The biggest licen-

star‘s new antibody-derived therapeutic

AFFiRiS) with potential revenue of up to

sing-deal, for € 430 million, was with AF-

products, concentrating on seven target

€ 783.6 million, of which € 70 million has

FiRiS for vaccines against Alzheimer‘s di-

programmes, each worth up to € 180 mil-

been paid up front. About fifteen such

sease. Further vaccines against Parkinson‘s

lion. In September 2011 f-star also signed a

deals are done every year and most re-

disease, arteriosclerosis and hypertension

deal with Merck Serono to develop antibo-

cently GSK bought the exclusivity rights

are currently under development. Another

dies for inflammatory disease. Boehringer

for an Apeiron Biologics project, current-

big pharma player in Austria is Boehringer

Ingelheim has also licensed the rights to

ly undergoing clinical evaluation for the

Ingelheim. A deal with potential € 1.26 bil-

commercialise Marinomed‘s nasal spray

treatment of the acute respiratory distress

lion for f-star is the highest value license

against common cold.

Medical Technology Keeping a step ahead with Austrian components Ottobock, the world leader in prosthetics development and manufacture, has a network of sales and services offices in 44 countries around the world. Their mission is to restore an individual‘s quality of life through of high-tech devices that reestablish people’s mobility.

sible the natural gait. A milestone in the fitting of amputees, it allows individuals to walk naturally and even to participate in active sports like rollerblading, cycling or cross-country skiing. The latest innovation in lower limb prosthetics is „Genium®“, the next generation prosthesis based on the experience with the C-Leg® that provides even more functions and higher performance. Both prostheses are manufactured at the Ottobock branch in Vienna. As high precision devices with state-of-the-art microprocessors, they demand a multitude of precise components manufactured using carbon, silicone, high-alloy steels, high-tensile aluminium and titanium as well as specialised coatings and finishes. Such complexity requires access to and availability from first rate suppliers. Of the several hundred worldwide suppliers, that Ottobock has come to trust and rely on, over 50% are located within Austria. The size, location, infrastructure and excellent transport networks within Austria also contribute significantly towards the speed with which Ottobock can receive key components from all its suppliers. The hydraulic system is an essential component of C-Leg® and Genium which directly affects the function of the prosthetic leg. The relatively small scale of the individual components must meet a high level of dimensional accuracy, sha-

pe and position tolerances and surface requirements. The

Ottobock – an Austrian success story

companies Wild, MKE and Anton Paar ShapeTec. These out-

Austria is one of the most important Ottobock locations with 480 employees, of whom a third are working in R&D. This site was responsible for the development of the C-Leg®, a microprocessor-controlled prosthesis, allowing users to perform near-perfect leg movements that resemble as closely as pos-

individual parts for this system are supplied by the Austrian standing manufacturers are able to perform delicate machining operations for even the smallest components. Burr-free machining of high-precision components is vital for ensuring a trouble-free function. Circuit boards used for the electronic components in Ottobock‘s prostheses are produced by the Austrian company PIU-Printex.

Medical Technology Austrian components

MED-EL – another Austrian success story MED-EL is a leading Austrian medical device company developing hearing implant systems utilising its ground-breaking innovations and leading technology. Since hiring its first employees in 1990 the company has experienced rapid growth and currently employs more than 1000 people in 28 offices in Europe, Asia, America and Australia – over 650 of them in the global headquarters in Innsbruck. MED-EL has launched more than ten ground-breaking product innovations that considerably improved the quality of life for patients with hearing loss. Innovation has been the name of the game from the start for this pioneering device producer. Some of the remarkable products developed by MED-EL include: > 1991

the first Behind-the-Ear speech processor

> 1996

the thinnest Cochlea implant.

> 2003 the first middle ear implant for slight

to severe sensorineural hearing loss

> 2009 middle ear implant system

especially indicated for children

> 2012

the world`s smallest and lightest audio processor

This strong and consistent focus on research and development has ensured that MED-EL currently holds a growing portfolio of about 800 patent documents. The constant stream of ideas and innovation enables MED-EL to expand its position in this dynamic market, consolidating its position as a world leader.

Another revolutionary new product, the TMR prosthetic

present in his memory. Prof. Dr. Manfred Frey and Prof. Dr.

arm, was developed at Ottobock‘s Austrian subsidiary in co-

Oskar Aszmann (Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Sur-

operation with both the Medical University of Vienna and

gery) performed the complex nerve transfer surgery for the

Vienna General Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Eu-

first time outside the USA where the technique was pionee-

rope and a leader in the field of neuro-muscular reconstruc-

red. This surgery creates the biological basis for the control

tion. This novel prosthesis represents an enormous advance

of the TMR prosthetic arm by transferring the remaining arm

in prosthetics as it can be specifically controlled by those

nerves into the muscles of the chest. The TMR prosthesis

nerves which were originally responsible for controlling arm

enables the user to make more natural movements because

and hand movement. Even though the natural arm no lon-

the joints can be controlled intuitively and simultaneously as

ger exists, the user can move the prosthesis according to his

opposed to the one-at-a-time movements associated with

intent by evoking arm and hand movement patterns still

standard prostheses.

Medical Technology Imaging: a clearer view for better health Imaging: a clearer view for better health Medical imaging has come a long way since X-ray tomography was pioneered in 1895. Today there are an increasing number of ways to gain detailed insights into pathophysiological processes and diseased organs and Austria is contributing significantly by being at the very forefront of this research. Specifically, Austrian scientists and industries are leading the way in new developments for ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These are linked to IT-enabled clinical workflow and diagnostic image management solutions, and state-of-the-art systems for capturing and processing images in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

The global ultrasound market is dominated by the Austri-

ultrasound lead product, the Voluson® E8 which is manu-

an affiliate of GE Healthcare but also features a number of

factured entirely in Austria for worldwide distribution. This

smaller Austrian companies, including suppliers that contri-

ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with 3D/4D technology is ex-

bute to advancements in this field. With a focus on medical

clusively developed and manufactured by GE. The Voluson®

diagnostics, diagnostic visualisation and clinical IT systems,

E8 offers unprecedented image quality and image analysis,

GE Healthcare Austria has around 250 employees. Originally

allowing for early and more accurate diagnosis. In order to

founded in 1947 as Kretz Technik AG and acquired by GE Me-

develop such a ground-breaking new technology and bring

dical Systems in 2001, GE Healthcare has become one of the

it to market, even the big players in the industry are depen-

leading companies in this sector. GE Healthcare Austria has

dent on components and service. GE is no different in that

not achieved this position alone but rather through an inte-

respect, and in the case of Voluson® E8 they cooperate with

grated network of collaborating companies across Austria

some highly innovative and reliable Austrian businesses.

and beyond. The easy availability of suppliers in Austria has served GE GE Healthcare Austria has pioneered 3D/4D gynaecologi-

well. For example, the specially-adapted power supplies for

cal ultrasound devices. The manufacturing plant produces

Voluson® and other GE ultrasound technologies are supplied

around 5000 ultrasound devices annually including GE‘s

by Becom Electronic. This enterprising company founded in

Medical Technology Imaging

1984 is a leading Austrian contract manufacturer of bespo-

daily in more than 3,000 hospitals and diagnostic imaging

ke electronic and electromechanical assemblies and devices.

centres worldwide. Another crucial focus of Agfa Health-

Similarly, Lenzing Technik, the engineering division of the

Care Austria is the development of a full-scale hospital and

Lenzing Group, is one of the principle suppliers of electronic

clinical information system (HIS/CIS) branded as ORBIS.

components to GE Healthcare Austria. Annually, Lenzing pro-

Agfa HealthCare‘s ORBIS suite is the by far leading HIS/CIS

cesses around 50 million components in various designs and

solution in the German speaking region and has been rolled

lot sizes. S.I.E. System Industrie Electronic is the main sup-

out in other European countries like France, Belgium and

plier of computer hardware for the operation of the units.

UK. More than 950 hospitals, psychiatric and rehab clinics

Founded in 1994, S.I.E. has built a substantial reputation for

with nearly 500,000 users rely on ORBIS every day. Apart

supplying quality systems from customer-specific modules

from R&D activities, Agfa HealthCare Austria consists of

to turnkey devices.

a sales and services organisation with a responsibility for more than 200 customers.

Integrating all the components into viable units, two partners of GE come in to play: Allied Panels and Contec. Allied-

In addition to the aforementioned companies, the AIT Aus-

Panels works with GE on system integration and high-level

trian Institute of Technology also provides groundbreaking

assembly of components and complete medical devices. In

research services, e.g. in the area of molecular imaging. With

order to achieve efficient production, their collaboration be-

the only microPET in Austria, its Health and Environment De-

gan in the early design process. Contec brings its expertise

partment offers the unique opportunity to image small ani-

and extensive manufacturing know-how to bear on the deve-

mal models of human diseases. Data can be obtained non-in-

lopment and production process for the Voluson® E8 as well

vasively, repeatedly and quantitatively from the same animal.

as assembly and test runs.

Current applications include a diverse field comprising metabolism and substrate utilisation in various vital organs such

Finally, Akatech has been supplying 3D/4D ultrasonic probes

as the heart and brain, neurotransmitters, receptors and

to GE since 2001 either as components or as complete sys-

transporter proteins as well as in elucidating tumour

tems such as the Voluson® Dock Cart which accommodates

biology (e.g. angiogenesis,

the Voluson® E8 mobile ultrasound device. These Akatech

hypoxia and proliferation).

ultrasonic probes provide an especially clear visualisation

In recent research efforts,

which allows a more accurate diagnosis of complex obstetric

microPET has been applied

and gynaecological examinations. The Voluson® Dock Cart

to a wide area ranging from

also involves an isolating transformer, important for patient

basic insights into normal

safety, and CD R/R or printing options for users. All in all, it

physiology and disease

took a remarkable coming together of suppliers within Aust-

processes to drug de-

ria to produce a market-leading technology with GE.

velopment and development of new

Another internationally acclaimed imaging group has left

radiotracers.

its footprint in Austria. The Vienna affiliate of Agfa HealthCare with nearly 200 employees has a strong focus on developing software for medical imaging (PACS = Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) for the global market. Agfa‘s leading PACS product line IMPAX is being deployed

Medical Technology The diversity of Austrian device innovators Medical devices and related technologies have always been a strong part of the life science industries in Austria. From large international device companies, individual businesses with a single device and multiple companies supplying parts and know-how, Austrian industry embraces every stage in the value chain.

ÂŠ S-CapeÂŽ GmbH | St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus Leipzig

Recent advances in IT and materials have enabled the me-

the centre includes minimally invasive procedures, medical ro-

dical technology industry to develop new products that can

botics for needle-based interventions and restraint, integrated

dramatically improve patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; lives. The medical technology

sensor technology and workflow, interfaces and simulations.

sector has been growing rapidly in the last 25 years and Austria has been at the forefront of this revolution.

The following case studies focus on a small selection of the companies producing truly groundbreaking medical techno-

The Austrian Centre for Medical Innovation and Technology (ACMIT) commenced operations as a Comet K1 competence centre in April 2010 and is active in fundamental and application-oriented research in the field of medical technology. As a

logies in Austria:

Surgical instruments

K1 centre, the consortium will involve more than 40 national

Since it was set up 150 years ago, Carl Reiner has dedicated

and international partners from science and industry to plan

itself to the construction and development of state-of-the-

and carry out its collaborative research projects. Research at

art surgical instruments and equipment. Starting with the

Medical Technology Diversity of Austrian device innovators

manufacture of tonsil compressors based on Dr. Haslinger‘s model, the company‘s product range reached a high point with the innovative Twinstream respirator. Carl Reiner recently took the plunge into the global market with the first microprocessor-controlled unit for jet ventilation. This special ventilation technique was researched by Carl Reiner in cooperation with the Vienna General Hospital and other partners. The special feature of this innovative procedure is that it enables patients to be ventilated without a separate air tube. The space gained as a result is particularly important during operations on the lung or trachea when surgeon and anaesthetist have to share access to the patient. Jeder is a dental technology company in Vienna. Their proprietary Jeder®-System offers a minimally invasive way to do a sinus lift. A sinus lift is surgery that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the back teeth. A sinus lift is done when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw for dental implants to be placed. The conventional procedure for a sinus lift is very invasive and subjects the patient to great stress as a result of substantial swelling, discolouration, and possibly pain. With the Jeder®-System however, it is possible to perform a sinus lift in a minimally invasive way by using high hydraulic pressure. During clinical studies, the technology has proven

peritoneal dialysis (PD), an effective treatment option for pa-

to be safe and effective and is currently being marketed.

tients suffering from end-stage renal disease or kidney failu-

Dialysis Fresenius Medical Care Adsorber Tec (former Biotec Systems Krems) was founded as spin-off from Danube University Krems in 1999. After acquisition by Fresenius Medical Care, the site at the Technopol Krems was upgraded to a compe-

re. However, PD fluids currently damage the patients‘ peritoneum over time, limiting the time patients can survive on this treatment. PD-protec™ is designed to protect peritoneal cells from the degeneration caused by current PD fluids.

Robotics

tence centre for manufacturing and development of adsor-

tyromotion has become one of the world‘s leading suppliers

bents in the field of medical devices serving products for the

of innovative, pioneering, robotics-supported rehabilitation

treatment of liver failure, autoimmune disorders and severe

devices sector. tyromotion is entirely home-grown and has

hypercholesterolemia. The company has a special expertise

developed associated products: the Amadeo® finger rehabili-

in the development and production of adsorbents for ext-

tation system, the Pablo® System hand-arm-shoulder rehabi-

racorporeal blood purification. The systems are optimised

litation system and the Timo® therapy plate. They guarantee

in chemical nature, structure and surface constitution to at-

targeted, holistic and successful training of upper extremi-

tract specific toxins without affecting physiological solutes.

ties and the whole body. The company also collaborates with

Comparable to dialysis, the adsorbents are used to purify the

other businesses around the world and won the prestigious

patient‘s blood outside the body.

Econovius award from the Austrian Economic Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry.

The Vienna-based Zytoprotec was founded in February 2007 and is a biotech company that specialises in cell protection

The independent and highly-specialised medical device ma-

and cell repair. The company‘s most advanced drug candidate

nufacturer iSYS Medizintechnik develops innovative robotic

PD-protec™ has successfully completed Phase I/II of clinical

solutions for micro-invasive interventions in interventional

development to improve the survival of patients undergoing

radiology and interventional oncology. iSYS‘ core product,

Medical Technology Diversity of Austrian device innovators

nating all three possible mechanisms of arterial fibrillation. In addition to collaborations with Innsbruck Medical University, UMIT (The Health and Life Sciences University in Tyrol) and industrial partners, AFreeze has a growing patent portfolio and is constantly refining its expertise in cryoablation therapy of the heart. EMCOOLS Medical Cooling Systems develops and markets novel non-invasive cooling devices to benefit neurologic outcomes after ischaemic events such as myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiac arrest. In worldwide pre-hospital and in-hospital settings, EMCOOLS products deliver a perfect synergy of the iSYS 1, is the most advanced needle guidance platform

a unique ease of use and a best-in-class product performance.

for interventional procedures due to its compact design and high efficiency, thereby ensuring safety for both, the physici-

Miracor Medical Systems is commercialising a new techno-

an and patient.

logy for improving outcomes for heart attack patients. Using an approach called Pressure-Controlled Intermittent Coro-

Medical monitoring

nary Sinus Occlusion (PICSO), the method seeks to improve blood flow in the heart tissue and improve overall heart

g.tec medical engineering is another pioneering company

function after a severe heart attack. More than 3 million

advancing Austria‘s prowess in medical technologies. All

patients are treated for restricted coronary blood flow every

hardware and software development is done in-house by a

year. Of these, more than 350,000 patients have poor heart

team of researchers, engineers and developers working on

tissue blood flow (microcirculation) even after successful

the same goal: EEG, ECG, EOG, EMG or even ECoG with the

balloon angioplasty or stent placement. Miracor is dedica-

highest possible signal quality and a comfortable and fast

ted to help these patients to a better recovery following a

montage of the electrodes. The first commercially available

heart attack.

BCI system was developed by g.tec in 1999 and now this system is sold in more than 60 countries worldwide.

The above selection of companies gives a small flavour of the diversity of the Austrian medical technology industries.

Cardiology

The scope of this publication means we cannot cover all the interesting and dynamic companies in Austria‘s burgeoning

AFreeze uses cryotechnology for the treatment of cardiac ar-

medical technology sector. But suffice it to say that Austria is

rhythmia. The company‘s technology is a device that shock-

easily one of Europe‘s leading sources of innovative medical

freezes tissue in the left atrium via a catheter, thereby elimi-

technologies across the full breadth of applications.

A value chain of medtech suppliers all within Austria It‘s not just the device producers that

for production lines and part of the re-

this world-recognised expertise that

make the Austrian industry so strong.

markable aggregation of enterprising

led, in June 2011, to a key deal with Ro-

There are a whole range of suppliers,

engineering companies in Austria. Foun-

che Diagnostics (Rotkreuz, CH) worth

service companies and engineering ex-

ded in 1989 and currently with a staff of

€ 4.5 million. Under the terms of this

perts who contribute in a collaborative

over 200, the emphasis is on technically

deal, M&R Automation will provide Ro-

way to the success of the industry. For

high-value, cost-efficient solutions for

che Diagnostics with high-tech produc-

example, M&R Automation is a pioneer

a number of different industry sectors

tion lines for various medical devices that

in high technology automated solutions

including medical technology. It was

Roche is developing.

Ones to watch in Austria The pioneers of tomorrow

Ones to watch in Austria The pioneers of tomorrow Austria has witnessed an extraordinary growth in the number of quality new companies coming on to the scene. Below is a small selection of the ones to watch.

icrobial surface AMiSTec – antim technology e materials

pros and composit develops additive vel technolog y surfaces. This no viding germ-free tural acidic layer concept of the na is based on the of research have in. Several years of the human sk surfaces against m of slightly acid produced a syste omical aspects, technical and econ germs. In terms of pared to existing l steps ahead com AMiSTec is severa iotics, disinfecsilver, copper, antib no na g. (e. s m syste r the antimicrobipaves the way fo tants, biocides). It s and in many veral surface type se of t en wm do al en benefit ratio, an excellent cost/ applications. With volutionise the e potential to re th s ha m ste sy this . hygiene industry

APEPTICO

is an innovative bio tech company th at develops new peptide-based dr ugs for the ther apeutic and prophylactic treatm ent of severe an d chronic disease s. The company‘s m ission is to translat e struc tural elements of well-ch arac terised protein s and biopharmaceuticals into pre-clinically and clinically validated peptides. All AP EPTICO‘s produc ts address highly profitable and gr owing markets.

Bionorica Research

founded in March 2005 as a subsidiary of Bionorica SE, is a unique high-tech laboratory for phytoana-

lytics. The company‘s aim is to promote the research and development of herbal drugs in traditional and

new indications for Bionorica. Bionorica is cooperating with 500 universities and hospitals all over the world to demonstrate the effectiveness, quality and

potential side effects of herbal medicines with internationally recognised pharmacological and clinical studies.

Ergospect

is an innovative medical device company specialised in the development and production of MRI-compatible ergometers for the examination of different

muscle groups and the musculoskeletal system. With advanced MRI techniques, pathological alteration masked and therefore underdiagnosed during rest

can be examined during stress or physical exercise. The medical fields of applications are: angiography,

cardiology, neurolog y, orthopaedics, sports medicine, vascular surgery or pharmaceutical compatibility examinations.

CNSystems

is market leader in the field of non-invasive, continuous haemodynamic optimisation. They provide state-of-the art technology for syncope assessment and pacemaker optimisation in cardiology and internal medicine as well as in the research area. Their continuous, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring solutions including goal-directed fluid management also significantly support current clinical routines in anaesthesia and perioperative care.

Ones to watch in Austria The pioneers of tomorrow

Hookipa Biotech

is a start-up biotech company founded in Vienna in summer 2011. The company‘s mission is to develop innovative vaccines for the prevention and treatment of

various diseases, based on its proprietary VaxwaveTM technology. The technology presents a novel vaccine

platform based on non-replicative viral vectors. It has been validated in different disease models and has become recognised as one of the most promising new strategies for next generation vaccines as it stimula-

tes both long lasting and potent cellular and humoral immune responses. In October 2011 Hookipa raised € 7

innovacell Biotechnol ogie AG

is engaged in the clinica l development and com mercialisation of autologou s (patients‘ own), min imally invasive, potentially cur ative („once-in-a-life-tim e“) cell therapies to re-est ablish functionality of sphincter muscle in patients with stress urinar y inc ontinence or faecal incontin ence. Each product com prises an autologous my oblast cell suspension that is implanted by means of specifically designed, pro prietary and CE-marked inje ctors.

million from internationally renowned venture capital investors. The company currently focuses on the deve-

lopment of its lead vaccine candidate HB101 and plans

to further industrialise the VaxwaveTM technology and build a robust pre-clinical product pipeline.

Microinnova

Labdia

St. Anna der the umbrella of the is a non-profit SME un ed and nosation offering improv Cancer Research Organi to-oncolowith a focus on haema vel diagnostic methods ge of diagcompany‘s current ran gy and infections. The lecular tests prises a variet y of mo nostic techniques com PCR aslitative and quantitative including par ticularly qua ting, tes PAics, FISH-analyses, ML says, classical cytogenet es. Labdia is er related methodologi FACS-analysis and oth roved and Anna CCRI, offering imp a spin-off from the St. matolog y, ds with a focus on hae novel diagnostic metho s. oncology and infection

launched the Flow Miniplant as a tool for development and small scale production in pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies – resu lting in significant time and cost savings for clien ts. The engineers at Microinnova have construc ted manufac turing equipment in continuous flow mod e for companies like Novartis, Roche, SigmaAldrich and Sandoz. A current collaboration including Evon ik-Degussa and the IMM Mainz are aiming to design the chemical plant of the future.

MySugr

has developed a smart logbook that uses game-mechanics to keep people with diabetes motivated to take better care of themselves. The award winning start-up company found a creative way to connect health with social gaming. The app mySugr is still in alpha testing but is scheduled to launch in 2012.

PDC Biotech ProtAffin

is developing more effective biop harmaceuticals using its unique understanding of the nature of protein-glycan interactions. The company‘s CellJammer® discover y plat form prov ides with an additional tool to down regulate the glycan-binding protein targets that may be difficult to address with monoclonal antibodies and small molecules.

company developing novel is a biotechnology com and ent of pre-term labour pounds for the treatm cant ea, two areas of signifi primary dysmenorrho aoci Both conditions are ass unmet medical need. ted rine contractility media ted with excessive ute e cor (PGF2α ). The company‘s by prostaglandin F2α staproprietary family of pro technology is a unique, receptor) antagonists. glandin F2α receptor (FP

SCIOTEC Diagnostic Technologies

is a privately-owned independent company. Founded in 2004, SCIOTEC has since become one of Europe‘s players

Vascops

develops and markets innovative software solutions. Their imaging products use patient-specific compu-

in the life sciences. Its focus in development and production is on the diagnosis and therapeutic support of food intolerances.

ter simulations to support the vascular physician‘s decision making. The company‘s patented and proven technology allows rapid screening and detection

of patients that are at high risk for Aortic Abdomen Aneurysm rupture. This is a life threatening event

which is among the top ten causes of death in industrialised countries. An award winning company, VASCOP‘s software product is named A4clinics™.

Themis Bioscience

is a start-up biotechnology company developing vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. Themis‘ core technology, Themaxyn™ – a novel, patent-protected, innovative vaccine platform based on a novel viral vector – will be used to create novel vaccines. The company‘s first targets are the vaccines against the emerging dengue and chikungunya viruses, with the clear potential to expand to further indications.

Ugichem

develops new pro prietary gene sile ncing therapeutics, the so-calle d Ugimers, which ov ercome all shortcomings of est ablished gene silenc ing technologies such as antisense oligonucle otides and siRNAs. In contrast to the lat ter, Ugimers are not derived from natural nucleic acids, but are exclusively designed towards fun ction. As a result, Ug imers are able to target cells cu rrently inaccessible to standard gene silencing techn ologies or even defin ed cellular compartments witho ut the need for addit ional delivery tools. Ugichem ‘s mission is to estab lish Ugimers as a new class of top -grade medicines an d fur ther ex tend its Ugimer gene silencing techn ology into a therapeutic product platform dedicated to indications based on altere d gene expression.

Production and Platform Technologies Better, faster, cheaper Austria has a wide variety of companies providing enabling technologies across the whole value chain of production processes. These range from Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) know-how for setting up pharmaceutical plants to companies producing plasma, special enzymes and other biological substrates and even stem cell products for the repair of bones, cartilage or muscular tissue. Close cooperation between universities, research centres and industry as well as highly trained and experienced experts ensure the highest quality.

With an established and highly integrated industry, offering

based methods, as well as their manufacturing processes.

products and services underpinning production processes, Austria is in a strong position to compete in the world mar-

These research centres reflect the pioneering spirit of compa-

ketplace for globalised life sciences.

nies across Austria active in pharmaceutical production. The many innovative technologies make processes more efficient,

To reinforce this already strong position, Austria recently

less costly and increases functionality, giving Austria the edge

founded two world-class research centres as an engine for

on the global stage. It is notable that while other countries

enterprise: the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology

have outsourced mainly to Asia, Austria is still self-sufficient.

(ACIB) and the Research Centre Pharmaceutical Engineering

One of the biggest domestic producers is Sandoz, a market

(RCPE). The ACIB, with locations in Vienna, Graz and Inns-

leader in generics and biosimilars. The company is renow-

bruck, focuses on coordinating the applied biotechnological

ned for its world-leading production of antibiotics, including

research of seven Austrian universities and around 30 inter-

being the only large scale provider of penicillin in the western

national companies. The Research Centre Pharmaceutical

hemisphere. One billion patients per year benefit from Sandoz

Engineering (RCPE) is an interdisciplinary research institute

drugs to treat diseases like tuberculosis or bronchitis.

in the area of pharmaceutical process and product development located in Graz. The RCPE focuses on the development

SANOCHEMIA Pharmazeutika is a specialty pharmaceuticals

and production of pharmaceuticals using efficient, science-

company with its own production facilities and outstanding

Production and Platform Technologies Better, faster, cheaper

levels of developmental expertise. The company is firmly es-

safe was founded in 2003 as one of the first businesses in

tablished in the indication areas of neurodegeneration, pain,

Europe specialising in GMP-compliant quality control testing

oncology and clinical diagnostics – all of which are characte-

for the detection of mycoplasma contaminations. Since then

rised by high therapeutic demands and urgent need for inno-

the company has built up a vast expertise in the area of my-

vative drugs to improve patient quality of life.

coplasma biosafety of cell cultures, virus stocks and related

Serving the pharmaceutical value chain

biopharmaceutical products and vaccines. ViruSure is a specialist in virus and prion safety testing of biopharmaceutical products at GMP and GLP standards. This applies both to che-

With established drug developers comes a need for outside

cking and keeping all required resources in the pipeline clean

support from suppliers, service providers and platforms.

of contaminations and also removing potential infectious

Austria has met the challenge with a plethora of busines-

agents by an effective clearance strategy. In addition to cell

ses and related service providers such as suppliers of clean

line characterisation, ViruSure is offering cell banking as well

rooms, preclinical research facilities, reagents, prion testing,

as tumourigenicity and oncogenicity testing of cell lines.

essential basic materials including glassware right up to GMP plants and GCP quality assurance. There is enough diversity in

Another specialist in the removal of prion and viral contami-

the Austrian industry to build supplier networks that are ne-

nation is HÄMOSAN offering services in transfer and perfor-

ver more than one flight hour apart and can truly be labelled

mance of purification protocols and validation experiments.

„Made in Austria“. The following are just some of the really

In addition, the company has focused on practical training in

dynamic enabling technology companies supporting the

clean rooms for both the biotech and hospital fields and of-

whole value chain of pharmaceutical production in Austria.

fers support in quality issues (ISO 9001, 13485, GxP).

A key requirement from global regulators is that drug deve-

Evercyte focuses on the acceleration and cost reduction of

lopers comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in

drug discovery and development by introducing the concept

their production facilities. One of the oldest and best known

of pharmacocellomics™. The company develops, manufactu-

companies supporting the construction and development of

res and commercialises various single cell lines or panels of

such facilities is Vogelbusch, founded in 1921. A worldwide

immortalised human cell strains for drug screening purposes.

provider of innovative solutions for the biotechnology in-

The high quality of Evercyte‘s products is secured by a pro-

dustry, Vogelbusch plans and builds plants for the biophar-

found scientific expertise in the usage of proprietary cell cul-

maceutical industry for clients such as Baxter or Lonza, as

ture media for the growth of innovative cells with in-depth

well as bioprocess plants for sugar, starch and food proces-

documentation.

sors. The companies of the VTU Group have several years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. VTU Technology

Other companies that deserve a mention include CAS Clean-

is a leading contract research and development company

Air-Service AG, a leading provider of services in the field of

providing services for the fast-track generation of high performance, industrial protein production strains and processes. VTU Engineering is an expert in the construction of pharmaceutical plants. VTU uses its technical know-how across a wide variety of areas such as API synthesis, fermentation with cells, blood plasma fractioning, lyophilisation or treatment of exhaust air. The GMP manufacture of biological materials has to be conducted in such a way that no contaminants are introduced and the highest standards of biosafety are maintained. Viruses, prions and unwanted bacteria all pose risks when manufacturing protein or cell-based therapies. Mycosafe and ViruSure both specialise in testing for contaminants, allowing quality assurance of the highest standard. Myco-

ÂŠ One-A Engineering Austria GmbH

clean room measurement systems, Vidavis for electronic

owned business since 1923, Riviera has developed from a

documentation and Ortner Reinraumtechnik for the deve-

one-man show into a sophisticated manufacturing firm.

lopment of biopharmaceutical clean rooms. All of these com-

Production, bottling, raw material storage and wash rooms

panies and many more provide the infrastructure to support

are tailored to integrate needs in a clean room functionali-

industrial production today and in the future.

ty and offer exceptional hygiene requirements according to

For those companies looking to outsource production, Aust-

ence, on the other hand, is an application-driven, enzyme-

the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). EUCODIS Biosciria has its own home-grown Contract Manufacturing Orga-

engineering company with customers in the pharmaceu-

nisations (CMOs) as well. Biomay, for example, is certified

tical, biotechnology, diagnostics and other industries. The

for GMP manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals such as re-

company manufactures and markets over 50 well-characte-

combinant proteins, plasmid DNA, allergens and antibody

rised enzymes worldwide with a renowned customer port-

fragments which are produced in E. coli or other microbial

folio, including Sandoz.

expression systems. In the field of plasmid DNA manufacturing, Biomay offers CMO services which are based on

At the very end of the pharmaceutical value chain, when

Boehringer Ingelheimâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s validated pDNA production tech-

products are ready to be positioned for the market, are com-

nology. Another important player is Polymun which has

panies such as ABF Pharmaceutical Services or the Assign

just expanded operations with a brand new research and

Group. ABF is a GMP accredited specialist in labelling, pa-

production site in Klosterneuburg near Vienna. Polymun is

cking, storage and distribution of Investigational Medicinal

developing and manufacturing a whole range of biophar-

Products as well as a provider of central lab services. Clinical

maceuticals for its clients including GSK and Baxter as well

trial management Phase I to IV, medical writing, data ma-

as liposomal formulations for a constantly increasing num-

nagement and IMP handling are handled by Assign and its

ber of customers in Europe and North America. A family-

subsidiaries in Germany, Hungary, Poland and Chile.

Collaborating for innovation Austria has always excelled in the de-

targeted drug delivery. This really is a

range of therapeutic products that, des-

velopment of pioneering integrated

cutting-edge development that should

pite having effective active ingredients,

collaborations with several organisa-

transform the development of many

currently have a poor delivery profile.

tions coming together to deliver an

new products. Nanomedicine is seen

The partners in this endeavour were the

outcome that is greater than the sum

to be the way forward in drug delivery,

Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

of their parts. One good example of

helping to increase the bioavailability

of the Karl-Franzens-University Graz,

this came when a recent collaboration

of pharmaceutical products and ma-

RCPE, one-A Engineering Austria, and

was formed to develop a revolutionary

king them more effective. In this way,

Prager Elektronik. Each partner brought

miniature capillary reactor for the de-

the technology should eventually help

to the table a particular element of the

velopment of nanoparticles for use in

enhance the effectiveness of a whole

wider project in a truly synergistic way.

Advanced Analytics and Diagnostics The diagnostic value chain

Advanced Analytics and Diagnostics The diagnostic value chain The key to effective therapeutic interventions is often through early diagnosis, and this has been greatly advanced in recent years through innovations in molecular diagnostics and personalised medicine. Austria has been at the forefront of these developments, from the discovery of biomarkers through to the manufacture of equipment for IVD diagnostics and the actual handling of specimens for analysis.

As has already been noted earlier in this publication, the de-

been set up. Biocrates‘ experience in biomarker discovery has

velopment of accurate diagnostic tests can save lives in fin-

resulted in the development of the first mass-spectrometry-

ding otherwise undetected illnesses early enough to make a

based metabolomics kits, AbsoluteIDQ® p150 Kit and Abso-

difference.

luteIDQ® p180 Kit. The kit pipeline is being extended by ad-

Biomarkers

ditional research kits. Beside its own biomarker pipeline the company is supporting other research organisations in the development of their biomarker panels.

Biocrates Life Sciences has established itself as a leading company in the field of diagnostic biomarker research. The

The key to the discovery of new disease biomarkers is the

company identifies and quantifies endogenous metabolites

careful gathering and studying of biological materials deri-

in body fluids and tissue samples and further develops them

ved from patients with known medical conditions. Austria

into useful biomarkers. So far, a pipeline of metabolic biomar-

has been at the forefront of this „biobanking“ in Europe. For

kers for cancer but also for diabetes and kidney diseases has

example, the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Biospecimen

28 Research and Bio-

tics and laboratory supplies with special products for blood,

banking Technolo-

urine and specimen collection. These products are important

gies at the Medical

in pre-analytics where the collection, labelling, transport and

University of Graz is

storage of blood, urine or saliva forms the first part of the

working in collabo-

value chain in the diagnostic process.

ration with QIAGEN on new approaches

Greiner Bio-One has been working in collaboration with the

and technologies in

software-programming company Servolabs and the Elisa-

biobanking and bio-

bethinen Hospital in Linz to develop a dedicated tracking

specimen research.

system to ensure the security of individual blood samples

Particularly,

the

throughout the pre-analytical process. The tracking system

collaboration

fo-

is able to securely capture and process patient and specimen

cuses on providing

data in combination with bar-coded VACUETTE® sampling

solutions to exploit

tubes. The result saves time and money through a reduced

the

opportunities

need for cumbersome paperwork and a consequent reduc-

of next generati-

tion in errors and greater safety through a more efficient and

on sequencing and

fault free communication between labs and hospital units.

metabolomics

the context of mo-

Another part of the value chain where Austria has a pivotal

lecular

role to play is in the development of innovative diagnostic

pathology.

The technologies developed and knowledge generated will

chip design. Lambda, a subsidiary of Greiner Bio-One, offers

also provide the rationale for a series of new diagnostics and

DNA-chip technology with a focus on detection and diagno-

therapeutic approaches.

sis of bacteria and viruses. As well as the production of readyto-use-kits, Lambda also has interests in developing its chips

Of particular note is the COMET-funded project BioPersMed

for use in food diagnostics and quality control products for

– biomarkers for personalised medicine – at the Medical Uni-

the pharmaceutical industry.

versity of Graz which is now in its second year. Researchers and the Biobank at the university are working in conjunction

Anagnostics is also a pioneer in the field of innovative dia-

with industry focusing on finding biomarkers in common me-

gnostic chip design with its proprietary hybcell technology

tabolic diseases such as cardiovascular, metabolic, bone and

for use in multiplex clinical and medical research diagnostics.

liver diseases. Among others, early results in paediatric type I

The aim is to provide solutions for unmet needs especially in

diabetes have shown some very interesting data comparing

the fields of drugs or abuse screening, severe infections and

immune response to vitamin D from healthy volunteers and

diagnostics in the field of oncology. The hyborg analysis sys-

children with type I diabetes. This has significant implications

tem that the technology is based on is a fully integrated and

for targeted soft interventional treatments in children.

automated microarray based DNA and protein assay.

The diagnostic value chain

VBC Genomics Bioscience Research was founded in 1999 as a

Once a biomarker has been identified, there are other techno-

na Biocenter. The company‘s core activities used to consist of

logies and services that have to be applied to make them into

five synergetic research areas of life science and diagnostics,

products with laboratory or clinical utility. Austria has many

genomic services, proteomics, biochip-technology and bio-

companies supporting the analytical process and providing tech-

informatics. After an acquisition by Phadia, the company

nologies to support every stage of the diagnostic value chain.

was renamed to Phadia Austria and VBC Genomics‘ inno-

spin-off of the University of Vienna and as part of the Vien-

vative biochip technology was combined with cutting-edge One of Austria‘s oldest and best known life science compa-

research in molecular allergology. Their proprietary product

nies is Greiner Bio-One, a world-market leader in the field

ImmunoCAP ISAC® is the most advanced in vitro diagnostic

of biotechnology, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals with a

test for the measurement of specific IgE antibodies to aller-

distribution network in more than 100 countries and about

gen components. The Phadia group was recently acquired by

1,700 employees. Greiner Bio-One is a global player in plas-

Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Advanced Analytics and Diagnostics The diagnostic value chain

TissueGnostics is an EN ISO 13485:2003 certified Austrian

Right down the value chain, Austria is innovating in diag-

medtech company with branch offices in Romania and USA,

nostics and it is the interplay and business cooperation bet-

focused on high-end medical image analysis of tissue, cell

ween these companies and some of the leading global diag-

and blood samples. TissueGnostics is on the cutting edge of

nostic companies that gives Austria such a pivotal position in

science and technology. The company provides a new gene-

this industry.

ration of analysis tools for research and medical diagnosis and is the first manufacturer to offer a quantitative analysis of tissue sections and cell cultures by automated microscopy and state-of-the-art image analysis (including machine-learning techniques). The company has a strong network within the industry and academia as well as strong Intellectual Property Rights covered by worldwide patents. VASEMA is an innovative high-tech medical device company that develops and manufactures precision instruments for the detection and diagnosis of skin diseases. The earlier changes in the skin can be detected, the better the chances are for the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s recovery. The company is a certified manufacturer of high-quality products based on its patented nanosensor technology which stands for reliability, security and speed. VASEMA is characterised by outstanding innovation, top quality, direct customer relationships and strong personal commitment.

Molecular diagnostics An accurate and clear diagnosis forms

tality in intensive care units and shorten

(PTR-MS) as well as the respective gas

the basis for the state-of-the art treat-

ICU lengths of stay. The strict blood glu-

calibration equipment. This know-how is

ment of disease, and advanced molecu-

cose monitoring enabled by the sensor in

desired by the pharmaceutical industry

lar diagnostics can give a clear window

combination with an insulin treatment

for real time monitoring of fermentation

onto biomarkers and disease processes

protocol makes this possible. High blood

processes.

that enable accurate decisions to be

glucose is not just limited to people with

made by the doctor. Austrian companies

a history of diabetes. Hyperglycaemia

Lexogen is developing a set of com-

are producing world-leading analytical

and insulin resistance are in fact very

plementary technologies that present

devices. In fact, in the near future special

common in critically ill patients.

a breakthrough in the level of detail that RNA expression can be profiled.

medical devices developed in Austria will even be used for the first human explo-

Another company pushing the bound-

Lexogenâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s proprietary SQUARE techno-

rations of the planet Mars.

aries in this field is Ionimed, a medical

logy presents a unique, hypothesis-free

device company with expertise in the

approach to reduce the complexity of

The German pharmaceutical company

detection and quantification of trace

the transcriptome and empowers Next

B. Braun is a pioneer in molecular diag-

amounts of volatile organic compounds.

Generation Sequencing technologies to

nostics and recently opened a develop-

Due to this specific knowledge, Ionimed

sequence and quantify all splice variants

ment office in order to test a new gluco-

has constructed analytical instruments

in which genes are expressed. Lexogenâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s

se sensor. The optical glucose sensor is

based on the technique of proton-

SQUARE technology will provide unpre-

intended to reduce morbidity and mor-

transfer-reaction mass spectrometry

cedented insight in molecular pathways.

LISA: Committed to the prosperity of Austrian life sciences

Life Science Austria (LISA) promotes the Austrian life science

LISA is committed to the development, growth and prospe-

sector on the international stage and is the first point of call

rity of the Austrian life science industries as a leading com-

for enquiries relating to it. Austrian life science is renowned

ponent of the Austrian economy. On the international front,

for its sustainable growth, taking a lively, creative and highly

LISA also works towards Austria becoming known worldwide

innovative approach rooted in world class engineering and

for the excellence of its life science sector.

science. Organised through the regional life science clusters, LISA represents companies in the therapeutic, medical tech-

In the home market, LISA is a resource for all life science com-

nology and diagnostic sectors as well as providers of enab-

panies within and all companies wishing to relocate to Aust-

ling technologies and related service companies located in

ria. We see our role in helping companies make connections

the following regions:

locally and further afield. We also play a big part in helping new companies get started through our PreSeed and Seedfi-

Lower Austria (ecoplus)

nancing funding programmes. Every two years, we run a life

Styria (Human.technology Styria)

science business plan competition BOB Best of Biotech as our

Tyrol (Life Sciences Cluster Tirol)

way of fostering a culture of excellence.

Upper Austria (Health Technology Cluster) Vienna (LISAvienna)

For more information, please visit: www.lifescienceaustria.at Or contact LISA directly: T: +43 1 501 75 510 E-Mail: lisa@awsg.at

Contact to regional clusters: ecoplus/Technopol programme

LISAvienna

Magnesitstraße 1

Ungargasse 37

A-3500 Krems

A-1030 Vienna

T +43 2732 874 70 230

T +43 1 501 75 358

Email: technopol-krems@ecoplus.at

Email: office@LISAvienna.at

www.ecoplus.at

www.LISAvienna.at

Gesundheits-Cluster/Health Technology Cluster

Standortagentur Tirol/Cluster Life Sciences Tirol

Hafenstraße 47-51

Ing.-Etzel-Straße 17

A-4020 Linz

6020 Innsbruck

T +43 732 798 105 156

T +43 512 576 26 248

Email: gesundheits-cluster@clusterland.at

Email: petra.stoeckl@standort-tirol.at

www.gesundheits-cluster.at

www.standort-tirol.at/ls

Human.technology Styria Reininghausstraße 13 A-8020 Graz T +43 316 587 016 Email: office@human.technology.at www.human.technology.at

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