News | June 19, 2008

BIO 2008: Germany On Cutting Edge In Biomanufacturing

Germany is on the cutting edge in biotechnology R&D and is a top player in large- and clinical-scale production. Companies located in Germany are poised to profit from the latest developments in biomanufacturing. These were the results of an expert panel, at the BIO International Convention (BIO 2008) in San Diego, California held on June 18th. Invest in Germany co-chaired the panel along with the CEO of a major transatlantic biotech consultancy.

Dr. Barbara Esch opened the discussion, entitled "Biomanufacturing Solutions: Case Studies from Germany." She is responsible for the business development of biopharmaceuticals in the Corporate Division Biopharmaceuticals at the Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH in Ingelheim, Germany. Her presentation provided an overview of the biotechnology market in Germany, and offered examples of leading investment successes in Germany. Dr. Wiltrud Treffenfeldt, Director of Bioprocess Development, Dow AgroSciences LLC, discussed why the German contract manufacturing industry is uniquely positioned to create sustainable value in biopharmaceutical development and supply. Dr. Uwe Marx, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Probiogen, a Berlin-based company that specializes in mammalian cell engineering and cell culture, discussed clinical biomanufacturing and how it serves the diverse needs of his company's client base.

Lastly Dr. Uwe Gottschalk, Vice President of Purification Technologies at Sartorius AG, talked about his perception of the current trends in biomanufacturing from the focus of an internationally leading process technology provider.

Angelika Geiger, Director of Invest in Germany's San Francisco office, and Steven Dickman, CEO of CBT Advisors chaired the panel. CBT Advisors is an international strategic consultancy with a focus on European and American biotech companies. Mr. Dickman also has experience in Germany. He previously did biochemical research at the German Cancer Research Center and served as correspondent for the journal Nature in Germany.

Invest in Germany is the inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. It provides investors with comprehensive support from site selection to the implementation of investment decisions. Invest in Germany is at booth 711 throughout BIO 2008.

SOURCE: Invest in Germany