Wurzburg biotech flourishing:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The German city of Wurzburg is making a name for itself as a centre for biomedicine. Two companies from the area, OncoMab and Osteogenetics, took first and second prize in the recently held Businessplan-Competition (Businessplan-Wettbewerb) for North Bavaria, which aims to initiate the foundation of innovative companies and lend support during their preliminary growth phase. OncoMab is a spin-off from the pathology institute of the University of Wurzburg and is involved in the development of human monoclonal antibodies for use in cancer therapy. The advantage of human anti-bodies, says the company, is that, while they are the "most effective" method of combating chronic disease, they are extremely well tolerated by the patient. Osteogenetics, founded by two oral surgeons from Wurzburg, develops biomaterials used in the healing of bone defects. The company intends to focus on the employment of bone growth factors in the regeneration of cartilage. The Businessplan-Wettbewerb was originally established in various regions of Germany by McKinsey & Co to support innovative, mainly scientific start-up companies. The competitions now have a wider group of sponsors.