Basel Unveils Cutting-Edge R&D Hub Fueling Next-Gen Cancer Therapy Innovations

Basel Unveils Cutting-Edge R&D Hub Fueling Next-Gen Cancer Therapy Innovations

(IN BRIEF) Boehringer Ingelheim, via its subsidiary NBE Therapeutics, has launched a cutting-edge ADC research and development facility in Basel with a CHF 27 million investment. The center is a key part of the company’s strategic efforts to advance next-generation cancer treatments through targeted antibody-drug conjugates. This initiative complements a recent licensing deal with Synaffix B.V. and a new oncology research center in Vienna, reinforcing a robust global pipeline in oncology. The facility meets high Swiss sustainability standards, earning the DGNB Certificate Gold, and will serve as a collaborative hub for approximately 50 scientists, reflecting Boehringer Ingelheim’s deep commitment to innovation and transforming cancer care.

(PRESS RELEASE) BASEL, 3-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Boehringer Ingelheim has taken a giant leap forward in its battle against cancer by investing CHF 27 million to expand its ADC research portfolio through its subsidiary, NBE Therapeutics. In a significant development for the Swiss biotech scene, NBE Therapeutics inaugurated a state-of-the-art ADC R&D facility in Basel today, a move that underscores its dedication to pioneering innovative oncology solutions.

Established in 2012 and incorporated into Boehringer Ingelheim in 2020, NBE Therapeutics is a cornerstone of the company’s oncology research strategy. The new facility is designed to become a leading hub for the research and development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which offer targeted cancer treatment by combining the precision of antibodies with potent cytotoxic agents. This innovative approach aims to directly target tumor cells while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissue.

This investment is part of a broader strategic plan to enhance Boehringer Ingelheim’s oncology pipeline. It follows a recent licensing agreement with Amsterdam’s Synaffix B.V. and complements the recent launch of a new oncology research center in Vienna, Austria. Together, these initiatives are set to expand the portfolio of ADCs, pushing the boundaries of next-generation cancer treatments.

Jean Engela, CEO of NBE Therapeutics, emphasized the breakthrough potential of the new research center, stating that it would accelerate the development of innovative ADCs and significantly improve patient outcomes. The facility, representing a multi-year commitment, not only creates a sophisticated research environment but also fosters collaboration within Boehringer Ingelheim’s expansive global oncology network.

Reinforcing the commitment to both innovation and sustainability, Karl Penz, CFO of the Innovation Unit at Boehringer Ingelheim and Chairperson of the NBE Therapeutics Board, highlighted Switzerland’s unmatched biotech ecosystem as a key factor in advancing cancer research. Kaspar Sutter, Head of the Department of Economic, Social and Environmental Affairs for the Canton of Basel-Stadt, added that the local government is proud to support the evolution of NBE Therapeutics, which began its journey at Tech Park Basel.

The newly unveiled facility adheres to the highest Swiss sustainability standards and has been awarded the DGNB Certificate Gold by the Schweizer Gesellschaft für Nachhaltige Immobilienwirtschaft (SGNI). Spanning 1,826 m² of laboratories and office space, the building features energy-efficient design and responsibly sourced materials, providing an inspiring workplace for around 50 scientists along with essential support teams.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s established presence in Switzerland is further strengthened through collaborations with companies such as T3 Pharmaceuticals and Sabia Animal Health. By nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of these biotech firms while providing access to its global network of expertise, Boehringer Ingelheim continues to drive forward its mission of transforming cancer care through cutting-edge innovation.