The new centre will foster collaboration within Boehringer’s global network of scientists and experts. Credit: Tada Images/Shutterstock.

Boehringer Ingelheim subsidiary NBE Therapeutics has opened its new antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) research and development (R&D) facility in Basel, Switzerland.

The move aligns with Boehringer Ingelheim’s strategy to transform cancer care and develop treatments to enhance patients’ lives.

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The Sfr27m ($30.5m) investment in the Basel facility provides an environment to accelerate the development of ADC therapies.

The new R&D centre will also foster collaboration within Boehringer’s global network of scientists and experts.

NBE Therapeutics CEO Jean Engela stated: “This investment in a new, cutting-edge research centre underscores our strong commitment to deliver breakthrough innovation to people living with cancer.

“We are confident that this state-of-the-art building will enable our team of scientists to accelerate the development of next-generation ADCs, ultimately impacting the lives of patients battling cancer.” 

Providing 1,826m² of labs and office areas, the building features an energy-efficient design.

The facility will house a team of 50 scientists, supported by human resources, administration and management.

ADCs represent a treatment approach, targeting tumour cells directly and minimising impact on healthy tissue. This centre will enable a wide ADC pipeline to develop treatments.

The facility’s design has earned the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen Certificate Gold, meeting Swiss sustainability standards.

The centre will focus on enhancing Boehringer’s oncology pipeline and builds upon the company’s opening of a new facility in Vienna, Austria in 2024, as well as on its licencing agreement with Synaffix.

Boehringer’s acquisition of Switzerland-based biotechnology company NBE took place in 2020.

Boehringer Ingelheim innovation unit chief financial officer and NBE Therapeutics board of directors’ chairperson Karl Penz stated: “Switzerland offers an unparalleled biotech ecosystem. By strengthening our presence here, we are reinforcing our commitment to advancing innovative cancer treatments.”