Biotech serial entrepreneur preparing for the next coup

In April Promethera Biosciences SA, a global innovator in cell-based medicines and liver diseases, announced that it has acquired Baliopharm AG, a Basel-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of targeted biological therapies for immune mediated inflammatory diseases and cancer. The transaction complements Promethera’s pipeline with an innovative antibody-based drug candidate that specifically binds to the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1). With the TNF-alpha pathway and its Receptor 1 (R1) being implicated in the progression of many inflammatory diseases, including chronic liver diseases leading to fibrosis, a therapeutic antibody approach is a valuable strategy in its own right as well as in combination with Promethera’s cell-based medicines such as the HepaStem technology.

Andreas Herrmann, CEO of Baliopharm commented, “Today’s announcement is a testament to the strong science that is the foundation of our next-generation anti-TNF R1 development program using a novel therapeutic antibody format, Atrosimab. Promethera is well positioned to advance the development of Atrosimab and explore unique combination strategies which could offer NASH patients a superior treatment option in future.”

In total, Andreas Herrmann has (co)founded seven biotechnology companies which he also led as CEO. One of these companies is Valerius Biopharma, founded in 2017 in Basel. Valerius Biopharma was founded to develop biosimilar products as alternatives to high-priced biologics, for indications where there is a substantial medical need. The company has built a research and development hub of scientists and experts with decades of experience in the development of biopharmaceutical and biosimilar compounds, as well as profound clinical and regulatory expertise. The company´s current product pipeline comprises four biosimilar products in different development stages.

Last week Valerius announced that it has selected Catalent as development and manufacturing partner. Catalent Biologics will provide cell line development and support cGMP manufacturing activities from Phase I through to commercial stages at its state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Our business mission is to make the treatment of severe, life-threatening and rare diseases more affordable for patients worldwide by developing biosimilars that meet the highest regulatory standards,” commented Andreas Herrmann. He added, “We selected Catalent as our development and manufacturing partner because of their technical knowledge and expertise in the cGMP manufacture of biosimilars, and proven track record in bringing innovative treatments to market.”

(Press release / SK)