European Biotechnology Magazine Spring 2023

Berlin, 16/03/2023 – Nearly thirty years ago, Bill Gates remarked: “DNA is like a computer program but far more advanced than any software ever created.” This insight, however, was merely the first step on a long journey. Reconfiguring cellular or viral DNA to create something entirely new remained challenging and expensive for decades. Now, programmable biology is maturing, and it seems poised to revolutionise medicine, chemistry, and consumer markets.

Topics in this issue:

Biosimilars – Heading for Africa
Europe has been proactive in the early adoption of biosimilars: over 70 biosimilars are approved in the EU. However, distribution across the continent is uneven. In some countries, they are far more widely used than in others. Overseas markets also offer opportunities, but few European companies have developed strategies for expansion into the Middle East or Africa. If they miss the chance, it could provide an opening for India and South Korea.

Pharma Packaging – Green Packaging
The pressure on companies across all industries to focus on sustainability is growing, and the pharmaceutical sector is no exception. Some companies are striving to meet the demand for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. These efforts were in the spotlight at this year’s Pharmapack Europe.

Interview

• José María Fernández Sousa-Faro, PharmaMar, on the company’s dispute with the European Commission over the EMA’s rejection of the marketing authorisation application for Aplidin to treat patients with multiple myeloma, which was accepted in Australia based on the same data.
• Rachel Maers, Partner at Jeito Capital, on the European biopharma market.

News from Partner Associations

• Swiss Biotech Association
• BIOTECH AUSTRIA
• Young European Biotechnology Network
• European Circular Bioeconomy Fund
• German Association for Synthetic Biology

Special Focus: Bioprocessing

Click to access European Biotechnology Magazine 1/2023.