ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE IN SAXONY-ANHALT

+NOW. IMPULSE MAGAZINE 01 /// 2017 HEREwww.invest-in-saxony-anhalt.com

MOBILITY THROUGH PRECISION WORK Günther Bionics returns freedoms once thought lost to patients – thanks to innovative prosthetics A DOSE OF SUCCESS IDT Biologika from Dessau-Roßlau supplies vaccines to the world CONTENTS 1 EDITORIAL

MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE

COVER: In the service of people and animals: in Dessau-Roßlau, IDT Biologika develops and manufactures vaccines.

3 12 PROFESSION F U T U R E A DOSE OF SUCCESS A FLAIR FOR PROGRESS IDT BIOLOGIKA FROM SCIENTISTS IN SAXONY-­ DESSAU-ROSSLAU SUPPLIES 6 ANHALT DEMONSTRATE THEIR THE WORLD WITH POTENTIAL INTUITION FOR THE REQUIRE- HERE VACCINES MOBILITY THROUGH MENTS OF THE FUTURE PRECISION WORK IS WHERE THE HEART BEATS.

There is almost no other sector in which human advancement reaps as many 17 benefits as it does in the healthcare sector. New medicines, equipment or RELATION methods can all noticeably improve patients’ quality of life. A STIMULATING FOCUS ON THE SMALL THINGS In Saxony Anhalt, the area of life sciences beats with a strong heart. The pharma- 13 THE STIMULATE RESEARCH 19 ceuticals industry, biotechnology and medical technology all set pulses racing. At the START-UP CAMPUS IN MAGDEBURG HIT EXPORT same time, producers and manufacturers are part of a strong network of academic HOMESPUN – BUT WITH BIG ­PROVIDES FOR VISIBLE IMPROVED VISION – THANKS and applied research. At the Weinberg Campus in Halle (Saale), a technology park, IDEAS ALL THE SAME ­ECONOMIC EFFECTS TO ALTERNATING CURRENT several biotechnology firms and institutes are focusing on the area of research into proteins and active agents. In and around the Otto von Guericke University Magde- burg, companies and the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology are conducting research 2 PRINCIPLES 20 WAYS AND MEANS into the nervous system and exploring learning and memory mechanisms. “I WANT TO CHANGE SOMETHING, THE FITNESS PROGRAMME NOT JUST MANAGE” FOR MANAGERS It isn't just Aspirin®, the best-known pain relief tablet in the world, that comes from Saxony-Anhalt. IDT Biologika of Dessau-Roßlau is a global player which has special- 14 B R E A K T H R O U G H 21 WINNERS ised in the manufacturing of vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Researchers in BRAIN WORK FOR SUPERIOR THINKING INNOVATIVE SUCCESS STORIES the city of Halle are committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer's Disease – with their MAGDEBURG SCIENTISTS RESEARCH work, the company Probiodrug AG and the Halle-based Department of Drug Design THE MEMORY 22 ENCORE and Target Validation at the Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) have gained international acclaim. 15 K E Y F I G U R E S 22 Publisher’s imprint SUCCESS IN NUMBERS

16 P O D I U M CONTACTS: EXPERTISE IN RESEARCH AND NETWORKS PRINCIPLES 2 3 MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE : PROFESSION A DOSE OF “I WANT TO SUCCESS CHANGE SOME­ THING, NOT IDT BIOLOGIKA FROM BIRGIT HEINE DESSAU-ROSSLAU SUPPLIES THE Senior Manager, JUST MANAGE” Investment and WORLD WITH VACCINES ­Marketing Corpora- tion Saxony-Anhalt (IMG) irgit Heine is Senior Manager at the Invest- ment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-­ Anhalt (IMG). She supports investors and companies from the life sciences sector companies are able to interface with these estab- which want to locate in Saxony-Anhalt or are lished networks and benefit from these clusters. Balready here. A discussion about location factors, potentials and personal motivation. How, specifically, does the Investment and Mar- keting Corporation support these companies? These days, “life sciences” is an all-too familiar BIRGIT HEINE: Even the smallest of companies expression. What does it actually cover? that locate here tend to have big ideas. Businesses BIRGIT HEINE: The life sciences sector is extremely that start life in Saxony-Anhalt generally decide to wide-ranging. It encompasses pharmaceuticals stay here. They do so because their immediate sur- manufacturers as well as medical technology roundings are very convincing. We act as a scout companies and businesses in the area of biotech- for companies who want to establish a presence in nology, all of which are highly innovative, and all of Saxony-Anhalt and we support them, for example, which are currently expanding. Whether it is new with their search for the right property and com- buildings, new products or systems that are more mercial premises, and in their dealings with the efficient. Life sciences is a cross-cutting ­sector ­authorities. We also advise them with their planning which – depending on the product – overlaps and approval processes and funding applications. with several areas, from the IT sector all the way We also nurture networks so as to bring investors through to food production. and the personal contacts who are of importance to them together. What does Saxony-Anhalt offer companies which operate in the field of medicine and healthcare? What do you like about your work, what moti- BIRGIT HEINE: Our federal state is home to a variety vates you? of companies - from start-ups to SMEs, all the way­ BIRGIT HEINE: Saxony-Anhalt is on the move. At through to global players. They all value three things: the same time, we haven't reached the limits of ideal locations for expansion, excellent inter­­faces our capacity, like some federal states have. We offer with research organisations, and great potential businesses the space to shape themselves and for professional staff and skilled workers. Business grow. I really like the idea of being able to change owners frequently highlight the efficient planning something and build something rather than simply and approvals processes in the federal state. Saxony-­ managing existing structures. Anhalt is also a world-famous location for the I also like the atmosphere in the sector. The com- pharmaceuticals and chemicals industries, with panies here want to succeed, and I feel happy if I universities that offer highly regarded courses in can make a personal contribution to their success. the engineering and medical sciences, ensuring a High-tech for a high performance: IDT is able to great supply of qualified employees. Life sciences www.invest-in-saxony-anhalt.com/life-science manufacture up to 60 million injection vials per year. PROFESSION : MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE 4 5 PROFESSION

BIOPHARMAPARK DESSAU

THE COMPANIES FOR WHOM THE PARK IS HOME employ more than 2,000 people and have IDT comes to town: the former considerable expertise in the manufacturing of brewery is to become a training and pharmaceuticals and packaging, as well as in conference centre. research and development. At the Biopharma cluster, both start-ups and established companies are able to benefit from experience in the field of product development through to quality management, and rely on an efficient manufacturing infrastructure. The net- work of services at the Biopharmapark not only minimises costs and business risks. At the same time, it provides access to a global structure of Headquarters with a strong markets and customers. tradition: the origins of IDT in www.dessau-rosslau-wirtschaft.de Dessau-Roßlau go back to the year 1921.

In the fight against epidemics and illnesses, vaccines from IDT Biologika find worldwide use. Thanks to the preparations from Dessau-Roßlau, in 2008, it proved The long-established company in pigs, the Dessau-based­ compa- accept the “Life Science Leader come from all over the world. possible to eliminate rabies from Germany. The company­ currently has some 1,800 em- ny established sales businesses CMO Leadership Award 2017” in We also need sufficient space also introduced the first live salmonella vaccine for ployees – 1,600 of whom work at in Spain, France, Denmark and New York in several categories. for the further development of ­chickens in the world. And it developed an effective the location in Dessau-Roßlau. the Netherlands to ramp up its This award recognises quality, our growing staff team,” ex- ­vaccine for pig farming, which rendered the controversial The num­ber of employees grows sales in the area of animal health. reliability and expertise as well as plained Dr. Ralf Pfirmann, CEO use of antibiotics superfluous. in the double digits each year. The IDT location has been up and compatibility and development. of IDT Biologika. “With the con- Since its foundation in 1993, IDT running in the USA since 2015. It struction of this new centre, IDT Biologika has invested some 300 is situated in Rockville (Maryland) THE LOCATION of Dessau-Roßlau Biologika will gain a stronger million Euros in its headquarters. and specialises in clinical test is at the heart of the compa- presence in Dessau-Roßlau. IDT THE ORIGINS of IDT Biologika go all over the world – including a In this respect, two years ago, samples. In Canada, IDT Biologika ny’s success, which is why IDT and Klocke Holding are thereby back to the year 1921. Among other Japanese pharmaceuticals firm a new production hall with the acquired Gallant Custom Labora- is continuing to invest in its underlining their ­responsibility fields, the scientists at the Bakterio- which manufactures its prepara- latest facilities for the produc- tories, the manufacturer of viral headquarters. The company for the development of the re- logisches Institut der Anhaltischen tions in Dessau-Roßlau. But also tion of vaccines opened. Here, up and bacterial livestock vaccines. In has also purchased the former gion. With these measures, Kreise (Anhalt Institute of Bacteri- the proprietary manufacturing to 60 million injection vials can January 2017, IDT acquired Ridge- Schade brewery from the city we want to make a conscious ology) conducted research into of IDT Biologika is growing all the be manufactured per year – four way Biologicals in Great Britain, a of Dessau-Roßlau. The old brick contribution to the improving the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Back time. “Over the years to come, our times the previous level of annual provider of livestock vaccines for building is to become home to Dessau-Roßlau town centre.” in the day, they succeeded in crea- strategic goal is to achieve more production. animal and fish breeders. an attractive training and con- ting important bases for manufac­ turnover with our own products ference centre. “With our new www.idt-biologika.com turing human and animal vaccines. than we do with contract manu- IDT'S PATH OF GROWTH was also ITS INTERNATIONAL ENGAGE- conference and training centre, facturing,” explains Peter Kellner, rolled out at its various locations. MENT has borne fruit and added we are fulfilling our company’s Today, IDT Biologika manufactures director of corporate communi­ With its proprietary products such to the company’s reputation: IDT demand for conference space vaccines on behalf of companies cations. as its vaccine for oedema disease Biologika was recently pleased to for customers and partners who POTENTIAL : MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE 6 7 POTENTIAL MOBILITY THROUGH PRECISION WORK

GÜNTHER BIONICS RETURNS FREEDOMS ONCE THOUGHT LOST TO PATIENTS – THANKS TO INNOVATIVE PROSTHETICS

At every turn: the gait analysis software bionicGAIT® is the latest product from Günther Bionics. POTENTIAL : MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE 8 9 POTENTIAL

Deceptively rea- REQUESTED ... listic: individual reproductions of hands and feet.

MICHAEL GÜNTHER Managing Director of Günther Bionics® GmbH

In-house development: the “Milwaukee Schaft®” transfe- moral prosthesis was Günther’s first patent.

For me, it was Michael Günther stands at a workbench, filling the always important plaster cast of a transfemoral residual limb. Some 30 to think outside the box. orthopaedic technicians from all over Germany and Looking at the market, Switzerland are standing around him, closely following more comfort. This also enables of prosthetics was my vocation,” Michael Günther recalls. He even- “the competitors and his explanations. They have come to the small town of the prevention of unpleasant explains the 36-year-old. tually left Munich and moved your own company from Parey in the north-east of Saxony-Anhalt to attend a skin irritations from occurring on back to his home town of Parey, such a perspective is of three-day training course. bony areas. It was six years ago Günther embarked on an appren- founding the company Günther huge importance for that Michael Günther developed ticeship as an orthopaedics tech- Bionics in 2010, which started life this novel prosthesis socket and nician, before spending several on the premises of a former car sustainable success. We submitted his idea to the patent years in the USA and Australia, workshop. also rely on highly inno- office. Günther made a name gaining experience in a variety vative products to fill AT THE END OF THE TRAINING for himself in the sector with his of workshops. On returning to THE COMPANY NOW has nine gaps in the market. Only COURSE they will take the licence development, which has become Germany, he sat his university em­ployees, and in addition to in this way will we have for the “Milwaukee Schaft®” highly regarded. It was the entrance exams and completed a Parey, further business premises in the opportunity to pre- home with them – a transfemoral ­“Milwaukee Schaft®” that en­ degree in Orthopaedic Technology. a modern building at the marina vail against the biggest residual limb prosthesis in the abled Michael Günther to launch After graduating, he became of Magdeburg. Its close proximity players in our industry” premium segment. It features a his own business. manager of the development to the Sports Science Department valve system which makes sure department at a manufacturer of the Otto von Guericke Univer- that the air escapes when the “I first became interested in of prostheses in Munich. sity is a certain boost. Students patient fits it. orthopaedics when my father fell from the univer­sity are welcome ill and was confined to a wheel- “I always found the idea of run- to complete work experience pro- The resulting vacuum caters for chair. After completing an intern- ning my own business appealing. grammes with Günther Bionics a much better fit and provides ship at an orthopaedic workshop, My head was full of ideas and during their studies, and are given for a more stable gait as well as I knew that working in the area I wanted to do my own thing,” the opportunity to link their POTENTIAL : MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE 10 11 POTENTIAL

master's thesis with the pro­­file prosthesis. The sensors send the is increasingly becoming a further of the company. In this respect, measured data for all of the rel- mainstay of the business. two of the company’s current evant gait parameters – such as ­employees embarked on perma- ground clearance, swing phases The latest employee to join the nent jobs with Michael Günther or the inclination to the feet – company is Abbas Saderi, a 27-year-­ directly after their graduation. to the computer. The software old window fitter, who originally provides all of the relevant data, arrived in Germany as a refugee Phillip Hügen, who hails from processed at a scientific level in from Iraq. Abbas is currently com- Erlangen and studies sport and the form of clear diagrams and pleting an internship, after which technology in Magdeburg, is tables, in a matter of seconds. In he is all set to be trained as an working at Guenther Bionics dur- addition to this, the data can also orthopaedic technician. Michael ing his studies. “I can work here be stored for future comparative Günther tells us that finding good very independently and there is measurements, so that successful engineers is easier than finding a pleasant family atmosphere treatment is easy to assess. good technicians. That’s why he in the team,” says the 26-year- wants to train his own technicians old. He has been involved in the “In comparison with conventional in the future. “Our door is always company's latest development methods, the time saving and open to prospective technicians. – the bionicGAIT® gait analysis the precision of our gait analysis We are pleased to offer internships system, which was launched in software is considerable. While to those who are interested in the spring of 2017. The software is a video assessment takes around familiarising themselves with our an example of how digitization­ is an hour, with bionicGAIT®, the pro­fession. Hopefully, the intern- also changing the field of ortho- precise data is available within a ship will subsequently lead to Rapid and exact: sensors on the paedics. few minutes. In this respect, we bigger things,” says the Managing legs send the data to the gait have written a new chapter in Director. analysis software. ORTHOPAEDICS TECHNICIANS the history of gait analysis,” says CONVENTIONALLY assess a Michael Günther enthusiastically. Günther himself is only able to patient’s gait on the basis of a work on new developments for visual appraisal. This frequently OVER THE MEDIUM TERM, he around 20 percent of the time. takes place via photographic and sees his company expanding to The rest is taken up with his work camera footage which is evaluat- around 20 employees. Its key in the areas of management, mar- THE MED-TECH CLUSTER ed by video. The method is highly focus is to remain developmen- keting and sales. A company is like subjective, however, and the deci- tal work and the subsequent a prosthesis. When everything fits, sions are frequently based on “gut awarding of licences to ortho- it works very well. And prostheses THE CLUSTER FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE decision”. With the ­bionicGAIT® paedic technicians. For Günther are certainly something that Mi- TECHNOLOGY has the goal of strengthening the software, by contrast, three sen- ­Bionics, the associated training chael Günther knows lots about. competitiveness of Saxony-Anhalt as a centre sors are attached to the patient’s and education of the technicians for the medical technology sector. It brings ankle, knee and thigh or their www.guentherbionics.de medical technology companies and research in- stitutes together with the goal of advancing the development of improved and new methods of diagnosis and treatment, as well as technical BMD – LIFE SCIENCES AGENCY SAXONY-ANHALT medical equipment, on a more efficient basis. Its key points of focus are a more intensive transfer of knowledge and more work in the THE BMD IS A CONSORTIUM of companies and institutes in the area of biotechnology. The field of innovation through developmental col- BMG coordinates the activities of the Cluster for Biotechnology and Life Sciences in Saxony- laborations between companies and research Anhalt. The agency supports companies and research organisations with their sustainable institutes. Above all else, the integration of development. In this respect, it forges networks between established and new companies as expert knowledge and the latest technology in well as players at the scientific and political levels and supports the development of synergy regional companies aims to lead to the develop- Strong and exact: effects. Life Sciences Agency for Saxony-Anhalt also hosts sector and state-spanning co- ment of new products over the long term. high quality lightweight alloy joints operations in collaboration with partners in both central Germany and other biotechno­logy www.medizintechnik-sachsen-anhalt.de provide for the maximum mobility. regions. | www.bmdlifesciences.com FUTURE : MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE 12 13 MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE : START-UP

A FLAIR FOR PROGRESS HOMESPUN – BUT WITH BIG IDEAS ALL THE SAME SCIENTISTS IN SAXONY-ANHALT DEMONSTRATE THEIR A STRONG ALLIANCE IS BEING INTUITION FOR THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FUTURE WOVEN IN SAXONY-ANHALT

SpinPlant GmbH MEDIGLOVE | www.mediglove.de “Bone glue” – the original name of the once natural adhesive which was made on the basis An appointment at the doctor with feeling: two graduates of Integrated Design from Anhalt of the structural animal protein of collagen. A University of Applied Sciences have developed a glove which enables doctors to assess their ground-breaking discovery for regenerative patients’ condition with the touch of their hands. medicine is making literal use of an old name. The “MediGlove” may eventually replace conventional instruments such as stethoscopes or ther- mometers. The prototype of the medical glove features sensitive infra-red and temperature sensors. The researchers at the new company SpinPlant Acoustic signals which display the measured results are also considered possible. The doctor is able GmbH have succeeded in spinning a piece of thread to stay by the patient’s side and remain in conversation with them. The information is sent to a out of collagen. Up until now, the end-product of all database on a wireless basis, where it is accessible at all times. In short: Easy to handle and resulting of the experiments had always been gelatine. Yet in greater degree of transparency and trust. with an electronic spinning machine which operates in the nano-scale, the breakthrough was achieved. Over the years to come, SpinPlant is hoping to obtain approval for its biological nano-fibres. The fibres sup- PROTEIN COMPETENCE CENTRE | www.uni-halle.de port the regeneration of bones, cartilage, skin as well Nanofibres for medical use. as nerve and muscle tissue. Since they also have an New things are growing at the Weinberg Campus in Halle (Saale): in the Protein Competence anti-inflammatory effect, it is also possible that they Centre at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. The first working groups will move into could be used to help heal wounds. | the new building this year. www.spinplant.de 125 laboratories and 62 offices on 5,400 square metres, an investment to the value of 40 million euros by the federal government and the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt: the new flagship of ­protein biochemistry is to bear the name of the scientist Charles Tanford. Twelve working groups weinberg campus technology park from the natural sciences faculties and the medical faculty may soon work under a single roof at The weinberg campus in Halle (Saale) remains profit- the Protein Competence Centre. Molecular biosciences are already a key focus of the research at able. It is a place where research ideas can thrive until the University of Halle. their implementation – thanks to the transfer be- tween science­ and business. The site is now one of the biggest business and technology parks in Germany.

NIELSEN TELE MEDICAL GMBH | www.nielsen.com The weinberg campus is home to the natural sciences institutes as well as the transfer and founder service Measuring brain wave activity without undue fuss at home and transferring the data to a of the Martin Luther University Halle-­Wittenberg. doctor’s practice on a wireless basis, where it is assessed by specialists? It sounds like a dream The university is completely open to collaborations for the future. Yet in Magdeburg, it is reality. with local customers and leading German research “Data for good” is the current motto of the Nielsen Company, which works in the fields of market- organisations – making it the ideal breeding ground ing and advertising research. The corporation has settled in the city of Magdeburg with the name for the founding of new companies. At present, the of Nielsen Tele Medical GmbH, and is testing a ground-breaking EEG headset together with neu- creation of a central “Innovation Hub” is under way: rologists from the University Clinic: the brain activity of patients who are at risk can be measured where scientists and entrepreneurs can develop Research projects are thriving on at home with the use of dry electrodes. It is an approach that opens brand new possibilities in the and implement innovative business ideas together. the weinberg campus. areas of monitoring and diagnosis. ­Contacts are available from the state-wide “Invest­ forum Startup-Service”. | www.technologiepark-weinberg-campus.de BREAKTHROUGH : MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE 14 15 MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE : KEY FIGURES

BRAIN WORK FOR SUPERIOR THINKING SUCCESS IN MAGDEBURG SCIENTISTS RESEARCH NUMBERS: THE MEMORY DID YOU KOW?

neotiv What things support a good memory, and which factors have a negative impact on thinking? The 149,800people were employed in the healthcare sector ­Magdeburg company neotiv has developed an app in Saxony-Anhalt in 2016. which analyses the impact of lifestyle on an individu- al’s thinking ability by brief memory tests.

The results are sent to the German Center for Neurode- Dorothea Erxleben The gross value ­ In 1863, the Municipal generative Diseases (DZNE) and are supporting the of Quedlinburg, who added of the health- Hospital in Magdeburg research which is being completed by the dementia ex- perts. Therefore, users of the neotiv app aren’t only able graduated in 1754, was care ­sector in Saxony-­ became home to the to find out how their thinking ability can be changed by the first ever woman Anhalt in 2016 totalled first operating theatre physical training and lifestyle changes. They also help to qualify as a medical with washable sur- support the research in the fight against Alzheimer’s billion EUR. disease. Behind the start-up is a small team consisting doctor in Germany. faces in Europe. of business engineers, neuroscientists as well as soft- ware and hardware developers, who are in turn being

An app-based memory test: supported by the Transfer and Start-up Centre (TUGZ) at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. neotiv analyses thinking ability. | Saxony-Anhalt is home to www.neotiv.com In August 1995, life sciences companies, billion EUR DZNE the first ever most of which are small The Magdeburg location of the German Centre for has been invested in 1 Asprin® tablets and medium sized busi­ Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) the weinberg campus in hit the conveyor nesses. As life expectancy increases, the risk of developing ­Halle (Saale) since 1990. dementia also increases. According to forecasts, in the belts at Bayer in year 2050, Germany will be home to some three million dementia patients. Scientists at the DZNE centre in Bitterfeld. Magdeburg are currently researching the ways in which targeted training can prevent both Alzheimer's disease and other dementia illnesses. The scientists have found that cardiovascular training and mental stimulation can improve and stabilize certain thought activities – despite the loss of nerve cells. In a multidisciplinary approach, the researchers at the Magdeburg centre are Approximately people are investigating the mechanisms and treatment perspec- Research focus: learning by tives offered by this stimulation. In comparable animal electrical impulses. ­currently conducting1,000 research in the field of red biotech- models, they are researching which specific molecular and cellular changes are relevant. In addition to this, nology in Saxony-Anhalt. trials are also under way that have the goal of improving the early diagnosis of dementia with new imaging tech- niques and brain performance tests. | www.dzne.de PODIUM : MARKET OF THE FUTURE HEALTH AND MEDICINE 16 17 RELATION

CONTACTS: A STIMULATING FOCUS EXPERTISE IN RESEARCH AND NETWORKS ON THE SMALL THINGS

THE STIMULATE RESEARCH CAMPUS IN UNIVERSITIES Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OvGU), www.inf.ovgu.de, MAGDEBURG PROVIDES FOR VISIBLE AND NON-­ Faculty of Medicine, www.med.uni-magdeburg.de/en/, UNIVERSITY Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology www.eit.ovgu.de RESEARCH ­ECONOMIC EFFECTS ­ORGANISATIONS Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), www.medizin.uni-halle.de, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Natural Sciences www.natfak1.uni-halle.de Harz University of Applied Sciences www.hs-harz.de/en/

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences www.hs-anhalt.com

Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences www.hs-magdeburg.de Project Group for Molecular Active Agent Biochemistry and www.izi.fraunhofer.de/de/ueber- ­Therapy Development (IZI-MWT) Halle at the Fraunhofer uns/standorte-und-infrastruktur. ­Institute for Immunology and Cell Therapy, Leipzig html#Halle Max Planck Institute for Dynamic Complex ­ www.mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de Technical Systems, Magdeburg Fraunhofer Institute for the Microstructure www.imws.fraunhofer.de of Active Agents and Systems Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation (IFF) www.iff.fraunhofer.de Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg (LIN) www.lin-magdeburg.de Leibniz Institute for Plant Biochemistry (IPB) www.ipb-halle.de/en/ Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and www.ipk-gatersleben.de Crop Science (IPK), Gatersleben

TRANSFER The “STIMULATE” research campus, OvGU www.forschungscampus-stimulate.de AND RESEARCH CENTRES Centre for Neuroscience Innovation and Technology, www.zenit-magdeburg.de/en/ ZENIT GmbH Biocentre Halle www.biozentrum.uni-halle.de KAT – Centre of Expertise for Life Sciences (HS Anhalt) www.hs-anhalt.de/ forschung/kompetenznetzwerk/ kompetenzzentrum-life-sciences Interdisciplinary Centre for Ageing, Halle (IZAH), MLU www.izah.uni-halle.de BioPharma Translations Institute Dessau Research GmbH

CLUSTERS Med-Tech Cluster, Saxony-Anhalt www.medizintechnik- AND Medical and healthcare technology sachsen-anhalt.de NETWORKS InnoMed – Network for Medical Technology Saxony-Anhalt e. V. www.innomed-magdeburg.de Image-supported medicine: STIMULATE develops minimally ­invasive methods. RELATION 18 19 HIT EXPORT

dles and catheters. Image-guided minimally invasive IMPROVED VISION – procedures are particularly important in the treat- ment of strokes and tumours. THANKS TO ALTERNA- THE KEYWORDS of “small” and “big” also describe the most recent coup at the research campus: a TING CURRENT newly founded company, Neoscan Solutions GmbH, has emerged from the special cooperation between science and business in Magdeburg. Neoscan de- velops MRI devices which are so small and compact that they can be used directly at children’s wards. In combination with incubators, they are even available Prof. Dr. Georg Rose to the very youngest of patients. Until now, the com- of the STIMULATE research plex technology for magnetic resonance imaging The Savir method: campus systems (MRI) has had to be permanently installed alternating current stimulates in several rooms. “We have succeeded in gaining the the residual eyesight. support of the local industrial companies,” enthuses Prof. Dr. Georg Rose. “We have also found reliable “When you use the phrase ‘focusing on the private investors who want to advance Magdeburg small things’, we mean much, much smaller,” as a location due to their own interests.” This will says a man who does big things: Prof. Dr. Georg­ provide excellent opportunities to launch the MRI Rose is the spokesman of the STIMULATE research devices on the market in a few years’ time. campus. He represents an extensive network of Eyesight is one of the most precious things vision. On this basis, electrodes are applied over the collaborations – between the Otto von Guericke RESPONSIBLE FOR PROPELLING AND STIMULATING an individual can possess. Limited vision­ eyes and on the wrist which provide alternating cur- University Magdeburg, Siemens Healthcare all of the partners is a shared vision. STIMULATE reduces a person’s quality of life to an rent pulses of very low strength – lower than those GmbH and a variety of other players in the field wants to become established as the “German center exponential degree. Following a stroke or a in a heart pacemaker. The treatment takes place with of medical technology. for image-supported medicine”. Rose and his fellow disease of the optic nerve or the retina in the patient lying down and lasts for up to three-quar- travellers envisage a campus at the Magdeburg particular – such as in the case of glaucoma – ters of an hour; its side effects are very minor, such as Science Port, at the heart of which is the university, patients can suffer from severe physical fatigue or tingling. WITH HIS EXPLANATION of the word “small”, Board with its exceptionally successful courses in Medical impairment. Chairman Prof. Dr. Georg Rose explains the focus of Systems Engineering (master's) and Medical Tech- The holistic approach at the SAVIR Centre doesn’t the partnerships: STIMULATE stands for new and nology (bachelor’s), which are receiving increasing only focus on the eye, however. Impaired vision often innovative technologies surrounding image-guided numbers of applications each year. Business part- causes patients to fear the loss of their personal inde- minimally invasive methods in the field of medicine. ners have settled in direct proximity – science and The “Sabel Vision Restoration” (SAVIR) Centre in pendence, and can also make them feel isolated from With a close practical relevance, work is ongoing on business next door to each other. The distances are Magdeburg offers such patients an innovative and social contacts. In this respect, the patients don’t only the optimisation of the methods of examination small, but the economic effects are big. holistic form of therapy which has the goal of improv- receive medical treatment at the centre, they are also and treatment – by improving the medical ­imaging ing their vision once again. In the course of the SAVIR offered psychological counselling on how to deal with and developing specialist instruments, such as nee- www.forschungscampus-stimulate.de alternating current stimulation, optimum use is made their illness. Patients from all over the world come to of the remaining residual vision ability. “We strength- Magdeburg to receive the specialist therapy available en the patient’s remaining visual ability which has at the SAVIR Centre. FACTS been neglected or even suppressed by the eye and the brain. We don’t focus on what has already been Professor Bernhard Sabel has been developing treat- lost, we rather activate the residual vision that still ment options and diagnostic methods for improving STIMULATE – the “Solution Centre for Image Guided Local Otto von Guericke University, Siemens Healthcare GmbH and exists. The brain is able adapt to loss of vision due to his patients’ residual vision for more than 30 years. His Therapies” – is also supported by the German Federal the STIMULATE association are working together on an equal its considerable flexibility and its ability to adapt,” research in Germany, the USA, Italy, India and China Ministry of Education and Research, and by the Ministry of footing in the form of a public-private partnership. explains Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sabel of the Savir Centre has led to the development of new therapies that can Economic Affairs, Science and Digitalisation of the federal in Magdeburg. be used to further improve a patient’s visual function state of Saxony-Anhalt. In the STIMULATE association, extramural research institu- after the initial healing process is complete. tions, universities and companies from the area of medical The stimulation with the alternating current is a technology cooperate and work together. non-invasive method for the activation of the residual www.savir-center.com/en/ WAYS AND MEANS 20 21 WINNERS

INNOVATIVE SUCCESS STORIES THE FITNESS

WINNER OF THE AURA 2014 PROGRAMME FOR SERUMWERK BERNBURG AG MANAGERS TOPIC: Ambassadors for great entrepreneurship in Saxony-Anhalt The company Serumwerk Bernburg AG manufactures and distributes human and veterinary pharmaceutical products. Its existing products are optimised on a contin- ual basis, and new active ingredients are researched and brought to the market. MARCEL HEROLD It is with this spirit of innovation that Serumwerk Bernburg AG – which was Group Leader of the Education and Employment Department at the originally founded in 1954 – has developed into a globally active manufacture and Investment Bank of Saxony-Anhalt supplier. The medicines offered by the long-established company is bought by customers in more than 60 different countries worldwide. | he field of medical technology is a highly which support their professional development, for www.serumwerk.com/en/ complex professional area. New scientific example, then we are pleased to support them. ­discoveries continuously have a direct impact on day-to-day professional life, ­resulting in How much support is available to such individuals? changes to processes and procedures. Without highly MARCEL HEROLD: That depends on their personal THE “VORREITER 2016” PRIZE FOR TOURISM Tqualified specialists, however, nothing can be achieved. income. Those whose average earnings are less than HALBERSTADT WOHNUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH, The Investment Bank of Saxony-Anhalt is therefore 1,500 Euros gross per month, for example, can receive WITH THE HAWOGE SPIELE-MAGAZIN GAMES PARK helping to ensure the long-term success of the field: a grant which covers up to 90 percent of the costs of TOPIC: Handicapped accessible leisure offers with the funding programmes of “Saxony-Anhalt their training. All in all, however, all of those who par- FURTHER TRAINING­ DIRECT” and “Saxony-Anhalt ticipate in the training can expect at least 60 per cent The HaWoGe Spiele-Magazin is the most attractive indoor games park in Germany. The 3,000 sq. m. FURTHER TRAINING FOR BUSINESSES”. of their cost of their training to be covered. complex, which was once home to military barracks, stood empty for decades. In 2014, the Halberstadt Wohnungsgesellschaft (housing association) took ownership of the premises, however, and created an MARCEL HEROLD: Regardless of the professional What is the situation for companies and organi- indoor games park at which children with or without disabilities can play together. Every level is accessible group, we support individual qualification and com- sations which opt to spend money on the further by wheelchair, for example. Illuminated steps and door surrounds, as well as a guidance system for blind pany training programmes. No matter whether it is a training of large numbers of employees, all at the and partially sighted visitors, provide for orientation outside. | www.hawoge-spiele-magazin.de large-scale organisation, a small company, someone same time? who is self-employed or apprentices who have selfini- MARCEL HEROLD: When companies decide to act in tiative: the programmes that we offer are becoming such an exemplary way and to actively support their increasingly popular. In this way, the federal state of employees’ skills, everyone is a winner. For this reason, Saxony-Anhalt is contributing to both the safeguard- we support company training programmes – depend- 3RD PLACE IN THE 2016 HUGO JUNKERS INNOVATION PRIZE ing of jobs and the retaining of skilled staff. ing on the size of the company – with grants which THE MOST INNOVATIVE APPLIED BASIC RESEARCH PROJECT cover up to 60 percent of the overall costs. As far as OTTO VON GUERICKE UNIVERSITY MAGDEBURG Which specific areas do you support? older workers and workers in part-time positions who FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MARCEL HEROLD: With the “Saxony-Anhalt FURTHER rely on welfare benefits are concerned, the grants TOPIC: Blood flow in the heart TRAINING FOR BUSINESSES” programme for instance, which we offer are even higher. Personnel and organi- we support steps with which the skills of the employ- sational development programmes are eligible for Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for some 40 percent of all deaths in ees which are of relevance to the respective business funding that covers up to 80 percent of such costs. Germany. These can be caused by turbulences of the flow of blood around the can be improved. And that doesn’t just mean profes- vascular walls of the heart. Together with the Leipzig Heart Centre, the team of sional expertise. It also means attributing importance How can I find out which funding guidelines apply researchers at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg Faculty of Informa- to social skills and personal development. “Saxony-An- to me? tion Technology have developed a software package called “Bloodline”, which halt FURTHER TRAINING DIRECT” specifically addresses MARCEL HEROLD: We are always pleased to provide­ depicts the flows of blood in the heart using MRT, and analyses turbulences in employees as private individuals. If an employee de- personal assistance to people who want to know detail. With this package, doctors are able to make more accurate diagnoses cides that they would like to gain new qualifications about the funding which is available to them. and gain a better understanding of disease progressions. | www.ovgu.de/en/ ENCORE

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Saxony-Anhalt’s moderate cost Saxony-Anhalt has the highest The IMG acts as a one-stop structure ensures competitive funding rates in Germany. Small agency; fast decision-making advantages for every investor: companies are funded up to channels and realisation periods At approx. 13 Euros the average 30%, medium-sized ones up to will facilitate your market entry price per square metre for a 20% and large ones up to 10% . in Saxony-Anhalt. fully developed industrial zone is substantially below the German average. The rate of funding that is available to support wage costs amounts to up to 10 % of the specified wage costs.

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