UZH spin-offs record successes

Spin-offs from UZH are looking back on a successful 2022, according to a university news release. Three founding teams with roots at UZH ventured into self-employment based on their research results. For example, the spin-off Navignostics is developing novel methods to analyze tumor samples. They are designed to help clinical specialists define individualized cancer therapies. In a seed financing round, Navignostics has already received 7.5 million Swiss francs.

Prometheus Life Technologies wants to grow three-dimensional human tissue, so-called organoids, from patient stem cells in space for the therapy of damaged organs. This is not possible under the conditions of gravity on Earth. The technology is based on a joint project between UZH and Airbus. For the entire development from the idea to the commercialization the UZH Space Hub responsible. Apricot Therapeutics is reportedly the world's first pharmaceutical company to investigate the interconnectedness of single cells in the context of drug action.

Molecular Partners, an established biotech company based in Schlierem, Switzerland, has signed a license agreement with Novartis for the COVID-19 drug Ensovibep. In return, Molecular Partners received 150 million Swiss francs and a 12 percent share of sales. Neuroimmune will develop and commercialize its heart drug NI006 with AstraZeneca subsidiary Alexion. The company, also based in Schlieren, will receive $30 million in return with the prospect of further payments of up to $730 million.

Medtech companies Clemedi, CUTISS and Oncobit launched new products in 2022. New capital was generated by Kuros Biosciences, Invasight, KOVE Medical and OxyPrem. ImmunOS Therapeutics received by far the largest financing with 72 million Swiss francs. mm