Debiopharm launches IDEAL, a new hub for life sciences

Biopharmaceutical company Debiopharm has launched the “IDEAL” initiative to strengthen the Western Switzerland region as a hub for life science innovation.

Debiopharm, a biopharmaceutical company based in Lausanne, has announced the launch of the IDEAL initiative with a first agreement signed with the University of Geneva (UNIGE), which aims to support the advancement of early-stage innovation into clinical development.

The “Innovation DEbiopharm Academia Léman” (IDEAL) initiative was designed to reinforce Debiopharm’s collaboration with centers of excellence in oncology and bacterial infections in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais.

Through IDEAL, Debiopharm will accelerate the maturation of academic research projects by offering expert advice and by financially supporting projects meeting specific criteria in order to evaluate the innovation for entry into the company’s expanding pipeline.

The program, having established pre-agreed legal aspects, aims to facilitate and accelerate the pathway from early scientific innovation to clinical development in order to bring new therapeutic solutions to fight cancer and drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Strengthening ties within the Health Valley

Bertrand Ducrey, CEO of Debiopharm, explains: “In Switzerland, we have a flourishing ecosystem of public institutions, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. In spite of this abundance, over 60% of the innovation that we evaluate comes from North America. The launch of IDEAL, through this first partnership in the Lemanic region, will strengthen the ties within our thriving local environment to accelerate the development of novel therapeutic solutions for patients. We are thrilled about this initial collaboration with the University of Geneva and know that this is only the beginning of solidifying the multiple academic-industry relationships within this regional hub of global impact.”