Biotechnology in Dresden

Home , Kai Simons

Axolotl An amphibian from the Ambystoma genus (mole salamanders) with the ability to regenerate organs and extremities after injury. Contents

2 Message from Prof. Kai Simons

3 Dresden, City of Excellence

4 From Cells to Tissues

6 Fr om Molecules to Cells and Biomaterials

8 Dresden Cures

10 Pharmaceutics

11 Medical Technology

12 Transfer of Technology and Knowledge

14 Successful Growth

15 Networks | Experts of Tomorrow

16 Contact Details | Our Work

1 A Multifaceted Location

There are many reasons to choose Dres- the heart of the BioPolis biotechnology den, the City of Excellence. A growing quarter, bring together possibilities for metropolis in the center of Europe at- science and business near the city center. tracts newcomers with a top-class indus- The general aim is to constantly extend trial location policy, high quality of life, and encourage these opportunities. economic opportunities and scientific International interest has now been perspectives. Biotechnology, too, bene- sparked by this targeted interlinking of fits from the magnetism of this strong- different disciplines and by the results hold of art and culture, boasting perfect achieved in bioengineering, regenerative conditions for work, leisure and family medicine, tissue engineering and adult life. It was, however, a long journey from stem cells. Thanks to efficient technology the founding and development of the transfer mechanisms, the innovations first pharmaceutical companies more emerging from research in Dresden are than 100 years ago to this position as making their way into industry faster and one of Germany’s leading biotechnology with increasing success. In the years to locations. come, this unique combination of engi- East Germany’s only University of Ex- neering and biosciences, nanotechnol- cellence, TU Dresden, paved the way, ogy and microelectronics is set to con- enticing increasing numbers of top na- tinue, setting new trends in business and tional and, of course, international scien- science. tists and researchers to the city on the Thanks to its high quality of life, fa- Elbe. This was an important factor, allow- cilities such as the Dresden International ing as it did not just Dresden’s world- School and the city’s constantly increas- famous microelectronics sector but also ing internationalism, Dresden is now biological and medical research to make more for me than just an excellent loca- giant leaps towards the future. This tion for culture, business and science. It’s trend was supported by training oppor- my second home town. tunities that held worldwide appeal, such as the International Max Planck Re- search School for Molecular Cell Biology and Bioengineering, founded in 2001, and the resulting Dresden International PhD Program. Along with the development of some outstanding fundamental research and effective technology transfer, in the last few decades not just the well-known research facilities of the Max Planck, Professor Dr. Kai Simons Leibniz and Fraunhofer Institutes have Lipotype GmbH, settled in Dresden but also biotechnol- former head of the Max Planck Institute ogy companies. Infrastructure specially for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, adapted to the needs of the life sciences, Honorary chairman such as the BioInnovationsZentrum at of the association biosaxony e. V.

2 Prof. Gerd Kempermann carries out research at the CRTD and DZNE into new neurons for old brains.

Dresden, City of Excellence

536,000 inhabitants. 43,500 students. Ideal conditions for biotechnology and 6,000 jobs in the field of the life sciences. its forward-looking interdisciplinary con- And the number is rising. Dresden is nections. The pharmaceutical industry’s more than a cultural metropolis. The city traditionally strong presence in the city blends business, science and research. led to the creation of Bio-Polis, a high- An excellent location, outstanding in the performing science and research center. fields of microelectronics, nanotechnol- Here, at the heart of Dresden, almost ogy, new-generation materials and bio- everything revolves around biotechnol- technology. Flagship institutions such as ogy, from fundamental biological and the Max Planck, Leibniz and Fraunhofer medical research to training and de- Institutes entice scientists from all over grees, then technology transfer. In the the world. Collaborative projects such as facilities on the site, such as the DRESDEN-concept, a cooperative ven- BioInnovationsZentrum, researchers and ture between the TU Dresden and non- companies work side by side. university institutions of research and Their close proximity, the shared culture, bring together different skills in high-tech research platform, jointly used research, education, infrastructure and infrastructure, space for further exten- administration. Joint projects have arisen sion, a targeted industrial location policy such as the Dresden Genome Center, the and the high number of start-ups are set- Technology Platform, BioPolis Dresden ting the course for further growth. The Imaging Platform and welcome@ lovely Elbe valley is home not only to his- DRESDEN-concept. tory, culture and quality of life but also to a globally recognized biotechnology location which is constantly gaining strength.

3 Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) From Cells to Tissues

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Max Planck Society – Consolidated Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) Expertise for Dresden

It all kicked off in 1998. The establish- All life processes are based on tiny sys- ment of the Max Planck Institute for Mo- tems and complex actions which are in- lecular Cell Biology and Genetics sowed visible to the naked eye. New technolo- the seeds for the development of gies and approaches are required to Dresden’s current biotechnology scene. carry out fundamental research into Here, more than 400 researchers, these molecular processes, bringing to- roughly 60 per cent of whom come from gether huge quantities of data. The aim abroad, tackle the overriding question of is to create an overall impression of bio- how cells form tissues. logical structures which is as compre- The aim is to gain a comprehensive hensive and precise as possible. The ini- understanding of organized cell struc- tial search for a location was thus very ture, from the formation of tissues to the specific. As Germany’s centre for micro- internal exchange of information. The electronics and information technology, research program covers as wide a range Dresden was the first choice: the city of complexity levels as possible, from was a strong candidate as it offered nec- that of molecular networks to organelles, essary opportunities for interdisciplinary cells, tissues, organs, all the way up to networking. entire organisms. A specially founded The newly founded Center for Sys- graduate school, the International Max tems Biology Dresden (CSBD) extends Planck Research School for Cell, Develop- and gives institutional form to the exist- mental and Systems Biology, continues ing intensive cooperation between the to make an impact on an international Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell scale. In cooperation with TU Dresden, Biology and Genetics, the Max Planck this produced the top-class Dresden In- Institute for the Physics of Complex Sys- ternational PhD Program. tems and TU Dresden. Led by the Ameri- can bioinformatician Prof. Eugene Myers, who played a key role in decoding the human genome, the center will use new microscopy technology in a bid to deliver the necessary answers. Combined with calculation, theory and computer- assisted approaches, the key mechanisms of biological systems are being revealed.

4 organism. As well as the axolotl, other organisms are also studied, such as Eating Yoghurt to Combat zebrafish and mice. Parkinson’s The crux of their success is the close cooperation between these fundamental The MPI-CBG researchers offered up researchers and the medics at the neigh- the evidence in a Petri dish. Neurode- boring university hospital. For this rea- generation can be stopped. Glyco- son, the CRTD takes an interdisciplinary lates and D-lactate (lactic acid) coun- approach. The short distance between teract decreases in mitochondrial the researchers and their hospital col- activity. Yoghurt and unripe fruits, leagues is a crucial advantage on the which contain these substances, may long path to developing new treatments. be able to help. After all, many other The CRTD also works in an extensive sci- diseases apart from Parkinson’s are entific network to keep everything near also caused by a reduction in mito- at hand and maximize synergies. chondrial activity.

DFG Centre for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD)

At the CRTD, the DFG Research Center and Cluster of Excellence for Regenera- tive Therapies, founded at TU Dresden in 2006, researchers and the institute director Prof. Elly Tanaka are hot on the scent of self-healing organisms. The aim “Dresden is an excellent is to carry out research into regenerative processes and develop novel treatments location where and replace diseased or damaged human tissues. The focus is on treatments interdisciplinary basic for diabetes, for hematological, immuno- research is linked with logical and neurodegenerative diseases and for damage to the eyes, medicine to develop Every day, an amphibian from the Ambystoma genus helps take major treatments of the future.” steps in this direction. It is the special at- Professor Elly Tanaka tributes of the axolotl which fascinate Director of the Cluster of Excellence DFG Prof. Tanaka and her colleagues. With its Research Centre for Regenerative Therapies ability to regenerate multiple organs, at the TU Dresden (CRTD) extremities and even its retina after injury, the axolotl is absolutely the model

Aquariums with zebrafish at the CRTD

5 From Molecules to Cells and Biomaterials

Biotechnology Center at TU Dresden Numerous inventions and spin-offs have (BIOTEC) arisen from this interdisciplinary networking. The companies cooperating The BIOTEC Biotechnology Center, with BIOTEC include global concerns founded in the year 2000, now makes a such as Roche Pharma AG, BASF and Carl mark with top-class achievements in re- Zeiss AG. search and internationally excellent teaching and training. It has proven to be the driving force behind the Free State of Saxony’s biotechnology offensive, which B CUBE – Center for Molecular is making rapid progress in the field of Bioengineering at TU Dresden molecular bioengineering. BIOTEC is involved in three key areas The focus of scientific work at B CUBE, of biotechnology research: which was founded in 2008, is on transferring natural phenomena to synthetic BIOTEC cell biologists are investigat- materials: molecular bioengineering. ing subjects such as the fundamen- Closely interlinked with the life sciences tal mechanisms through which and engineering, B CUBE researches into brain cells are formed from progeni- and develops biological materials, mov- tor or stem cells (area of applica- ing in three main directions: tion: dementia). BIOTEC biophysicists are carrying Bioprospecting (studying natural out research into the physical prop- systems and their functions) erties of cells and how they behave Bionanotools (developing and using in relation to the physical properties novel methods for characterizing of their environment, e.g. how light biological structures on a molecular is conducted from the retina to level) photoreceptor cells (area of Biomimetic materials (translating application: poor eyesight and the properties of living materials visual impairments). to synthetic materials) BIOTEC bioinformaticians are collecting and structuring medical data on preparations, genes, proteins and illnesses with the aim of using them for entirely new purposes (area of application: pancreatic c ancer).

Researcher at B CUBE – Center for Molecular Bioengineering at TU Dresden

6 B CUBE is a spin-off from the BMBF ini- Their joint aim: to develop new biomate- tiative “Entrepreneurial Regions – Cen- rials, nanoparticles and bioactive materi- tres for Innovation Competence.” Here, als for medicine and technology. From innovations are expected in the fields of dentistry to orthopedic technology or active ingredient development, medical regenerative treatments, research is be- diagnosis and synthesizing functional ing carried out on numerous applica- materials. For example, B CUBE is looking tions, some of which are already being into biomolecular kinesin motors for use put into practice. Whether it is bone re- as artificial transport systems. When re- placement, implants, tissue regeneration search is carried out into DNA metabo- or special implant coatings, these are all lism, magnetic and optical tweezers are developments for the medicine of to- used to influence the way enzymes bind morrow. Even wires made of DNA mol to DNA. In future, the plan is to regulate ecules. only nanometers thick, are devel- the activity of helicases, “tools” for sepa- oped here for the microelectronics of rating the strands of the double helix, in the future. order to influence the division of cancer cells. Hydrogels made of heparin and other materials could imitate the proper- InnoTERE GmbH ties of the extracellular matrix and one day replace it. And research is being car- Ever since it took up business at the end ried out into diatoms’ impressive ability of 2005, InnoTERE GmbH has concen- to produce an unusually strong under- trated on the research, development and water adhesive, for example with regard production of innovative implants for to the development of biocompatible bone regeneration. The company’s key adhesives. products are its patented paste-like cal- cium phosphate cement (a bone replace- ment material sold as VELOXTM) and the Max Bergmann Centre delicate scaffolds this is used to make on for Biomaterials, Dresden a 3D printer, used as implants to fill in bone defects and for tissue engineering. A joint initiative by the Leibniz Institute Since November 2014, VELOXTM has of Polymer Research, Dresden, and the provided surgeons with a new, minimally Institute of Materials Science at TU Dres- invasive ready-to-use product which den, the Max Bergmann Centre for Bio- comes as a pre-filled syringe. The same materials is a good example of close co- technology platform is the basis for bio- operation between different institutes, implants made at mild temperatures organizations and even companies in the with 3D printing. The company is coop- field of biotechnology. The scientists at erating with local researchers and hospi- the Max Bergmann Centre carry out tals to systematically develop this - fur interdisciplinary, closely interlinked re- ther. search in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology and chemistry.

Reconstructing extensive cranial defects, Max Bergmann Centre for Biomaterials, Dresden

7 Proton accelerator (cyclotron) at OncoRay

Dresden Cures

Paul Langerhans Institute, Dresden of OncoRay, Professor Michael Baumann, (PLID), an outpost of Helmholtz works with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dres- Zentrum München at TU Dresden’s den-Rossendorf to develop correspond- Carl Gustav Carus university hospital – ing methods and procedures. Diabetes Since 2014, a modern proton therapy unit (cyclotron) has been in opera- Founded in 2009, the Paul Langerhans tion at Dresden’s university proton ther- Institute in Dresden concentrates on rec- apy department. This gentle procedure is ognizing and combating Type 1 and Type only used in two other German cities 2 Diabetes mellitus. The member of the (Heidelberg, Essen) and 30 hospitals German Center for Diabetes Research around the world. (DZD) concentrates on mechanisms The Oncoray research topics can be which influence the insulin-producing divided into three main focuses: medical beta cells. It also investigates and ques- radiological physics (including high-pre- tions immunological approaches and cision radiotherapy); radiobiology (in- progress in the field of transplants. cluding research into biomarkers for in- There has been measurably success- dividualized radiotherapy) and transla- ful cooperation in fundamental research, tional radiation oncology (including im- translational research and clinical appli- proving radiotherapy in combination cation with patients. Dresden is the only with novel bioactive substances). location in Germany to boast a success- A specially developed Masters course ful transplant program for the islets of in medical radiation science and a doc- Langerhans (also known as islet cells) toral program accompanying a thesis at within the pancreas. A step in the fight the OncoRay Postgraduate School intro- against diabetes and a success story duce the next generation of scientists to made in Dresden. the future of radiotherapy.

National Center for Radiation German Center for Research in Oncology – OncoRay – Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) – cancer Alzheimer’s and dementia

Founded in 2005, OncoRay works towards The scientists at the DZNE Dresden healing cancer. In future, the aim is for examine how physical and mental activ- biologically individualized and techno- ity helps to prevent and sometimes logically optimized radiotherapy to im- event treat neurodegenerative diseases. prove patients’ chances of recovery. A The central focus of the research is on team of researchers led by the director the basic neurobiological principles of

8 “plasticity”: how the shape of the brain Transplantation of islets changes depending on activity. Some of at the Carl Gustav Carus university the central questions asked by the DZNE hospital, Dresden Dresden include: People with Type 1 diabetes, who suf- How does exercise help combat fer from extreme fluctuations in their neurodegeneration? glucose balance despite medicinal What is the function of newly treatment, can undergo not only an formed nerve cells in the adult organ transplant (of the pancreas) brain (“adult neurogenesis”)? but also islet transplantation therapy. What role do brain stem cells play Here, insulin-producing cells are ex- in neurodegeneration and brain tracted from a donor pancreas, care- plasticity? fully prepared then injected into the recipient’s liver. After a short time, These questions are being answered in the cells start producing insulin again. close cooperation with Dresden Univer- The islet transplant program has been sity Hospital and the CRTD, the Center running at the Carl Gustav Carus Uni- for Regenerative Therapies at TU versity Hospital since 2008, making Dresden. Dresden currently the only site in Germany with a successful islet cell transplantation program. Biotype Diagnostic GmbH

Biotype Diagnostic GmbH is an innovative, dynamic biotechnology company with more than a decade of experience in developing, producing and selling molecular biology testing systems for pro- Riboxx GmbH fessional medicinal diagnostics. Biotype develops products for the early, fast rec- Riboxx GmbH concentrates its activities ognition of specific sets of symptoms, on two independent fields of work: mainly in the fields of: Riboxx LIFE SCIENCES and Riboxx PHARMACEUTICALS. Their joint aim is to Hematology / oncology (characteriz- fight cancer, viral infections and autoim- ing acute myeloid leukemia, chimeric mune diseases. The main focus of Riboxx analysis) GmbH is on preventing relapses in pa- Dermatology / mycology (pathogen tients who have already undergone can- diagnostics) cer treatment. The great challenge is to get rid of all the cancer cells remaining in Every day, Biotype faces the challenges the body after treatment. To do so, of continuously extending its areas of ap- RIBOXXIM has been developed: this can plication and developing novel proce- switch on the body’s immune cells to dures for personalized medicine. achieve a full cure.

BioCrea GmbH

Some impressive results of BioCrea Gm- bH’s work are medicines against autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy and depression. Scientists at the company are particularly hot on the trail of “It is not enough just diseases of the central nervous system. The BioCrea researchers and developers to have more ideas than work with partners from the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutics to -im others; you also have prove upon medicines. BioCrea is in- to be able to put them volved in this process all the way up to the pre-clinical stage. Subsequent licens- into practice” ing creates resources for further developments and projects. Dr. Wilhelm Zörgiebel CEO of Biotype Diagnostic GmbH

9 Production of medicines at APOGEPHA Arzneimittel GmbH

Pharmaceutics

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals Menarini-Von Heyden GmbH

Innovative entrepreneurship still has a In 1874, Friedrich von Heyden developed major influence on Dresden as a tradi- a way to synthetically produce salicylic tional location for pharmaceutics. Since acid, thus founding the modern pharma- 1992, the Saxon Serum Works, founded ceutical industry at what is now in Dresden, has been part of the British Mena rini-Von Heyden GmbH on Leipziger pharmaceutical company SmithKline Stras se in Dresden. Its predecessors, the Beecham; a 2000 merger made this the pharmaceutical companies von Heyden, global concern GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Gehe and Madaus merged after the Sec- GSK is one of the world’s leading provid- ond World War to form Arzneimittelwerk ers in the field of developing, producing Dresden (Dresden Pharmacological and supplying flu vaccines. Produced on Works). In 2006 the MENARINI group an annual basis in line with the World took over the production section of this Health Organization’s flu strain recom- traditional pharmaceutical company. mendations, GSK’s seasonal flu vaccines Today, under the name Menarini-Von are delivered all over the world. As a Heyden, medicines are produced to treat manufacturer, GSK offers an innovative problems such as diabetes, pain and car- flu vaccine which protects against four diovascular disease. rather than just three strains.

ROTOP Pharmaka GmbH APOGEPHA Arzneimittel GmbH Rossendorf Pharmaka GmbH has its APOGEPHA Arzneimittel GmbH, special- roots in the previous National Institute ized in developing and manufacturing for Nuclear Research in Rossendorf. As medicines in the field of urology, boasts long ago as 1958, shortly after the re- a company history going back more than search reactor came into operation, ra- 120 years in Dresden. Here, the central dioactive substances first began to be focus is on developing medicines against produced here. Even then, the name urinary incontinence, infections of the ROssendorfer IsoTOPe was used as an urinary tract or prostate problems. In identifier. When ROTOP Pharmaka GmbH 2011, APOGEPHA Arzneimittel GmbH was founded in the year 2000, this cre- was named Dresden’s most family- ated one of the world’s leading radiop- friendly company. harmaceutical centers. In close cooperation with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, which is responsi- ble for fundamental research, the focus is on developing, producing and selling products for use in nuclear medicine.

10 Medical Technology

Dental implants, hearing aids, devices Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic for diagnosis and monitoring: Microsystems (IPMS) Dresden’s strong microelectronics industry is of benefit to local medical The Fraunhofer IPMS, one of five technology, offering potential for Fraunhofer Institutes in Dresden boast- synergies. ing expertise in medical technology, cooperates in research and service provi- Institute of Biomedical Engineering sion in the fields of optical sensors and at TU Dresden actuators, ASICs, microsystems (MEMS / MOEMS) and nanoelectronics. One of At TU Dresden, the spotlight is on engi- ten Dresden Fraunhofer Society institu- neering. The link between the Medical tions, the Fraunhofer IPMS employs Faculty and the Carl Gustav Carus Uni- some 300 scientists. To make the provi- versity Hospital creates the perfect con- sion of social services and institutions ditions for biomedical technological re- more flexible, and adapt them better to search and teaching. In the fields of car- the needs of the people being cared for, diology, intensive care, obstetrics and the Fraunhofer IPMS developed a mobile rehabilitation, the institute develops low- assistance system. Modelled on a watch, cost medical imaging, diagnosis and it allows people to contact the emer- monitoring technology for the early rec- gency services, service providers and ognition, diagnosis and treatment of car- trusted parties, giving older people the diovascular diseases. chance to remain mobile and participate actively in public life.

Contract Medical International GmbH MEGADENTA Dentalprodukte GmbH Founded in Saxony in the year 2000, Contract Medical International now has MEGADENTA Dentalprodukte GmbH has two sites and 160 staff in all. At home in stood for dentistry products made in Dresden and the Czech town of Hradec Saxony for more than 90 years. From re- Králové, this international company’s fo- search to development and production, cus in Dresden is on developing and pro- the Radeberg company offers dentistry ducing disposable medicinal items / cath- solutions and products, such as innova- eters and on having them approved on tive materials for treatments, prosthetics various markets. From cardiovascular ap- and prophylaxis. These include dental plications to endoscopy, neurosurgery impression materials, temporary and and gastrointestinal uses, the company’s permanent filling materials, composites, own product portfolio covers a wide adhesives and glass ionomer cements. range.

Cicor RHe Microsystems GmbH

Located in Radeberg, Cicor RHe Mi- crosystems GmbH works with its custom- ers to produce complex electronic switches for medical applications such as eye pressure sensors, retina implants, cardiac catheters and hearing aids. Cicor structures ceramic interconnect devices using thick-film technology and delicate micro-assembly of the carrier material. This sets demanding requirements in terms of manufacturing technology. Mobile assistance system at the Fraunhofer Insti- Quality, reliability and functioning must tute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) be assured without exception.

11 ETTBio – Technology Transfer in Biotechnology

How does a research idea become Results in the field of a marketable product? How does validation funding: a researcher become a successful entrepreneur? These were the Small and medium enterprises are espe- questions posed by the ETTBio cially likely to fail at transferring research project. The aim: more results into market-ready products. There effective transfer of technology is a lack of funding programs for the and knowledge. “proof of principle” to the “proof of concept” project stages. The project involved handing plans for this process to ministries and politicians.

Results in the field of improving training:

The International Summer School and ETTBio – effective technology transfer the series of seminars on “Science as in biotechnology usual? Job opportunities for life scientists” are newly created training oppor- For scientific potential to lead to scien- tunities for scientists in the field of bio- tific growth, conducive structures are technology and the life sciences. required. Processes are needed to en- sure that research results are transferred to industry. The EU project “Effective Results in the field of the technology Technology Transfer in Biotechnology” transfer unit: (ETTBio) took on this task. The ETTBio project involved a total of The linchpin for the planned develop- ten partners from seven European coun- ment is the creation of a central technol- tries. The biotechnology sites were criti- ogy transfer unit in Dresden. The idea is cally evaluated based on everything from to combine existing resources to create identifying good practice to breaking better visibility, with the aim of providing through the barriers preventing the im- scientists with support at short notice, provement of technology transfer at re- from helping find a partner to the final search institutes and universities. The exploitation. Work is still being carried task of the Dresden participants was to out on a specific scheme for a shared- recognize possible problems and imple- service model, to involve the existing ment the best strategies applied by transfer points and university and non- other sites in Dresden. university institutions. The ETTBio EU project received a total of roughly 2.3 million euros in funding For Dresden, three key topics as part of the INTERREG IVC EU program. were pinpointed: INTERREG IVC supports the exchange of knowledge and experience between Eu- setting up validation funding ropean regions. As well as improving re- for biotechnology gional structures and processes, the improving natural scientists’ point is to balance out regional inequal- training in business and technology ity within the EU. transfer creating a central technology transfer unit in Dresden

12 Knowledge Transfer in Action at BIOZ Dresden

BioInnovationsZentrum Dresden Technology platforms

The BioInnovationsZentrum is a business Biotechnological research develops on incubator covering an area of 7,600 m² the basis of ultra-modern equipment op- and creating the basis for a whole new erated and improved by specialized staff. level of cooperation. Here, business and The joint use of these high-cost advanced science work together under one roof at technologies and access to the necessary the center of Bio-Polis. As a regional specialist knowledge are provided using center of excellence which adds to net- technology platforms (also known as working between institutions from busi- core facilities). Their wide range of uses ness, TU Dresden and non-university re- means they raise the efficiency of tech- search institutions, the BIOZ offers a nology/knowledge transfer and is a sign wide range of services and facilities. of how economically the funding (often As well as an extensive equipment from public sources) is used. pool and access to the technology Technology platforms are also a key platform of the Biotechnology Center element of life sciences research in (BIOTEC), conference rooms and various Dresden. The Dresden research insti- services offer all tenants the chance to tutes’ core facilities are closely coordi- make their work more efficient. The “in- nated, sometimes being operated jointly novation alliance” offered here creates or, under the overall control of “Dresden- the financial and infrastructural condi- concept” even commercialized on an tions for carrying out exciting research interdisciplinary basis. As the site of missions in the life sciences. At the same close cooperation, they initiate research time, it brings together the elite and the activity and strengthen shared interdisci- upcoming generation of scientists and plinary ventures. businesspeople. ÂÂ www.dresden-concept.de

BioInnovationsZentrum Dresden (BIOZ)

13 Successful Growth

Life Science Inkubator Sachsen probe processing and evaluation using (LSI Sachsen) the LipotypeXplorer software deter- mines the lipid composition of large The long path from research to a market- numbers of samples, in terms of both ready product makes it a great challenge quality and quantity, within a short for scientists in the life sciences to turn a time.The software identifies biomarkers scientific success into a business success. of diseases such as cancer, asthma, The Life Science Inkubator (LSI) Sachsen, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and the cardiovas- a subsidiary of LSI Bonn, supports such cular system. Used in personalized med- attempts following a model which has icine, new lipid parameters are revolu- been established in Bonn since 2008. At tionizing clinical diagnosis and nutrition the LSI, innovative research projects science, helping to identify and heal dis- from the fields of biotechnology, phar- eases better and more quickly. maceutics and medical technology are incubated for a period of at most three years. The goal is to develop the projects Qualitype GmbH to the point where they are able to at- tract funding. The federal and regional Qualitype GmbH was founded in Dresden governments, scientific organizations in 2001. With 30 members of staff, it and private investors back this concept. works for companies in more than 30 LSI Sachsen has its offices at BioZ countries. With a focus on bioinformat- Dresden and is currently supporting a ics, the Dresden software company de- project aimed at developing devices for velops solutions for the fields of foren- fluorescence cryo-microscopy and spec- sics, medicine and foodstuffs. In the troscopy. They will find their application areas of food production and medicine, in medical diagnostics, and in particular Qualitype provides software and data- the early diagnosis of malign and neuro- base solutions for quality management degenerative diseases, as well as adult- and monitoring. In forensics, the bioin- onset diabetes. Other projects are cur- formatics company implements software rently at the in-depth evaluation stage. solutions for forensic institutes and companies. From laboratory and case management to the evaluation of evidence at Lipotype GmbH crime scenes, biostatistical calculations, and DNA profiling, Qualitype helps solve A spin-off from the Max Planck Institute complicated cases fast. for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), founded in 2012, Lipotype developed a new high-throughput technology for lipid analysis. Known as “shot- gun lipidomics,” this combination of mass spectrometry, high-throughput

Qualitype tracks down the identity of Nefertiti

Using the Geno-Proof 3 evaluation software, in 2012 Qualitype GmbH corrected our knowledge of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti’s parentage. The genetic material, more than 3,300 years old, caused a sensation. Thanks to the analysis results, we now know for certain exactly how Automated sample extraction for high-throughput Nefertiti and Tutankhamen were re- lipid analysis at Lipotype GmbH lated: he is the queen’s son.

14 Dresden benefits from young, talented scientists from all over the world.

Networks

biosaxony e. V.

biosaxony e. V. is the Saxon federation for the biotechnology / life sciences sector, whose over 100 members represent the different life sciences enterprises, scientific institutions and sectoral stakehold- ers in Saxony. The cluster aims to initiate “As a location of science projects between companies and scientists, to mediate services and expertise, and industry, Dresden and to use synergies to further develop stands for strong inter the sector and commercialize regional skills. disciplinary connections The federation’s work is designed to develop new ideas and strategies, and to between research institutes extend the life sciences sector in Saxony. and companies. Close cooperation is the order Healthy Saxony of the day here.” Founded in 2014, Healthy Saxony sup- André Hofmann ports cooperation between science, medical institutions, politics and indus- Managing Director of biosaxony e. V. try. The association sees itself as a central communication platform for Saxony’s health industry. Healthy Saxony records current information on companies in the health industry in its “Saxon Digital Health Atlas.”

15 Promoting Skills and Ideas

The Economic Development Office sup- The contact person for biotechnology/ ports the development of companies the life sciences, key sector manager Lu- and research institutes in Dresden. It cia Coskun, answers specialist questions guides companies through the approval and helps companies carry through their process for business expansion invest- projects. ment, advises on commercial locations for companies wishing to expand or es- Economic Development Office, tablish operations, provides information Dresden about current projects and helps create Lucia Coskun active networking with various institu- Key sector manager tions and facilities. The business service also provides advice on funding, financ- World Trade Center ing and start-ups. Dresden’s Economic Ammonstr. 74 Development Office cooperates with the 01067 Dresden Saxon Economic Development Corpora- Germany tion and networks in the sector to pre- pare trade show stands, exhibitions and Phone: + 49 351 488-8788 events. Fax: + 49 351 488-8702 [email protected] ÂÂ www.dresden.de/wirtschaft

1 Max Planck Institute of Molecular 6 InnoTERE GmbH Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) ÂÂ www.innotere.de ÂÂ www.mpi-cbg.de 7 P aul Langerhans Institute, 2 DFG Centre for Regenerative Dresden (PLID), an outpost Therapies Dresden (CRTD) of Helmholtz Zentrum München ÂÂ www.crt-dresden.de at TU Dresden ÂÂ www.plid.de 3 Biotechnology Center at TU Dresden (BIOTEC) 8 Na tional Center for Radiation ÂÂ www.biotec.tu-dresden.de Research in Oncology – OncoRay ÂÂ www.oncoray.de 4 B CUBE – Center for Molecular Bioengineering at TU Dresden 9 German Center for Neuro ÂÂ www.bcube-dresden.de degenerative Diseases (DZNE) ÂÂ www.dzne.de 5 Max Bergmann Centre for Biomaterials, Dresden 10 Biotype Diagnostic GmbH ÂÂ www.mbc-dresden.de ÂÂ www.biotype.de

16 Experts of Tomorrow

TU Dresden the specialized knowledge they have ac- quired but also, above all, to demon- The University of Technology is one of strate their ability to carry out scientific eleven Universities of Excellence in Ger- teamwork. A crowning achievement to many. A Volluniversität, i. e. covering the round off a challenging course. four traditional faculties, it is one of the country’s most research-intensive universities. Some 40,000 students and Dresden International PhD Program 6,000 staff study and work at the TU. Fu- (DIPP) ture biotechnologists can choose from Master and Bachelor courses in the de- This highly competitive, structured doc- partments of biology, chemistry, process toral program has proven its worth on engineering and natural materials tech- the path to a doctorate in the life sci- nology. Specialized training is possible in ences. Doctoral students on the program the form of a Bachelor course in molecu- can choose between four interlinked re- lar biotechnology and a Master course in search routes: Cell and Developmental Applied Ecology. Biology, Computational Biology, Biophys ics and Bioengineering or Regenerative Medicine. The institutions involved: Biotechnology Center at TU Dresden Max Planck Society Interdisciplinarity and internationality Leibniz Association characterize teaching at the BIOTEC on Helmholtz Association the three English-language Master and TU Dresden courses in molecular bioengineering, na- nobiophysics and regenerative biology with their Dresden facilities guarantee a and medicine. Here, everything revolves top-class education and support. around the subject of the life sciences, with excellent support in an international environment. One particular highlight for students at BIOTEC is taking part in international competitions. Here, they are given the opportunity not only to display

Construction of the Biology department at TU Dresden 11 6 12

10 22 30

3 20 4 23 13 9 26 28 5

11 Ribo xx GmbH 17 Contract Medical International ÂÂ www.riboxx.com GmbH ÂÂ www.contract-medical.com 12 BioCr ea GmbH ÂÂ www.biocrea.com 18 MEGADENTA Dentalprodukte GmbH ÂÂ www.megadenta.de 13 Gla xoSmithKline Biologicals NL of SmithKline Beecham Pharma 19 Cicor RHe Microsystems GmbH GmbH & Co. KG ÂÂ www.cicor.com ÂÂ www.glaxosmithkline.de 20 Life Science Inkubator Sachsen 14 APOGEPHA Arzneimittel GmbH (LSI Sachsen) ÂÂ www.apogepha.de ÂÂ www.life-science-inkubator.de

15 Menarini-V on Heyden GmbH 21 Lipotype GmbH ÂÂ www.menarini.com ÂÂ www.lipotype.com

16 R OTOP Pharmaka GmbH 22 Qualitype GmbH ÂÂ www.rotop-pharmaka.de ÂÂ www.qualitype.de 32

19 18

16 7 1 21 2 24 14 8 27 25 31 17

ELBE

23 BioInno vationsZentrum Dresden 29 RESprotect GmbH ÂÂ www.tzdresden.de/standort-bioz ÂÂ www.resprotect.de

24 b iosaxony e.V. 30 Arevipharma ÂÂ www.biosaxony.com ÂÂ www.arevipharma.com

25 Health y Saxony 31 Eupheria ÂÂ www.healthy-saxony.com ÂÂ www.eupheria.com

26 TU Dresden 32 ABX advanced biochemical ÂÂ www.biotec.tu-dresden.de compounds GmbH ÂÂ www.abx.de 27 Biot echnology Center at TU Dresden 33 MED Nuklear-Medizintechnik ÂÂ www.biotec.tu-dresden.de Dresden GmbH ÂÂ www.nuklear-medizintechnik.de 28 T ransinsight GmbH ÂÂ www.transinsight.com