Araris Biotech AGZurich-based oncology biotech Araris Biotech AG has entered into a research collaboration with an option to license with Japan’s Chugai Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Roche. The aim of the partnership is to develop next-generation antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). While Araris itself is now Japanese-owned – a wholly owned subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical, part of the Otsuka Group – its research activities remain firmly rooted in Zurich. That presence was highlighted last year when the Strüngmann brothers, German billionaire twins, awarded a prize to the company’s founders.
Tag Archive for: Switzerland
Freepik.comThe Australian–Swiss plasma specialist CSL is relying on technology from Switzerland for recombinant polyclonal immunoglobulins (IgG). With Memo Therapeutics, the company has entered into a collaboration and option agreement with a total potential value of up to CHF 265 million. This is good news for Memo, while CSL, following substantial job cuts including in Marburg, could also use some different headlines for a change.
Lonza GroupCDMOs are currently setting the agenda across the industry. Alongside peers such as Vetter, Lonza has now delivered a clear statement of intent: strong results, sharper focus and an even more determined commitment to its core business. But the stronger investment strategy internationally frightens Switzerland – at least some analysts.
RocheRoche made a clear statement in 2025. The Basel-based group increased sales by 7% at constant exchange rates to CHF 61.5bn (€67bn) and lifted core operating profit by as much as 13%. For many observers, this represents far more than just a solid set of annual results.
Roche is back in China — and this time at a very different price point. In a renewed partnership with MediLink Therapeutics, the Swiss pharmaceutical group has secured a second antibody–drug conjugate (ADC), underlining how the first collaboration has paid dividends for both sides.
Just over a year and a half ago, Swiss biotech Numab AG, based in Horgen on Lake Zurich, made the headlines when it sold a single antibody to Johnson & Johnson for US$1.25 billion via a spin-out vehicle. No back-loaded milestones, no future contingencies — but cash up front, as one might say, straight into the pocket.
chokniti - Adobe StockSwiss biotech Virometix has raised US$15m in fresh funding to accelerate development of its lead pneumococcal vaccine candidate and advance its next-generation synthetic vaccine platform.
In February 2025, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announced that the Masterplan in Biomedicine will be discontinued. This sends a troubling signal at a time of growing protectionism and potential trade conflicts. While other nations are actively collaborating with industry to secure the future of their pharmaceutical sectors, Switzerland is abandoning the only federal initiative aimed at improving conditions for biomedical research. The organisation scienceindustries calls for a renewed effort by the government to develop a new master plan.