Science and exhibition highlighting the transformational treatments in Cell and Gene Therapy
Conference topic “Next Generation Cell & Gene Therapies” highlights the excellence in science of the Life Science ecosystem Rhine-Neckar
15 anniversaries of the BioRN Cluster Management GmbH
Growing the conference by expanding the exhibition and opening the event to non-members enhances networking opportunities
Aiming to be the leading life science event in the region with relocation to Heidelberg Congress Center planned for 2024
Heidelberg, September 29th: Over 300 participants, 20 exhibitors and a delegation from Leuven and Brussels gathered to this year´s BioRN Annual Conference (BAC) at the Halle 02 in Heidelberg to learn about the latest research development and technologies in the field of Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT), predicting a very promising future for the field. With an expanded concept of a breakthrough scientific conference and exhibition, the BAC also offers non-members to attend the event.
Eckart Würzner honors 15 years of BioRN Cluster Management GmbH
The 15th birthday of BioRN Cluster Management GmbH, the operational business unit of BioRN, was also specially honored with a message from Eckart Würzner, Mayor of the City of Heidelberg: “…Our partnership with BioRN has been pivotal in shaping the life sciences ecosystem. Together with other key individuals, we have transformed BioRN into a strong pillar for strategic development…”.
Highlighting the transformative power of recent breakthroughs in cell and gene therapies
The Keynote "Targeting illnesses at their source – the Cell & Gene Therapy commitment at Bayer " by Anke M. Schulte, Head of Research & preclinical Development at Bayer Pharma CGT, showed how cell and gene therapies will revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as Huntington's or Parkinson´s disease.
The research in this field is being driven forward with great intensity in the Life Science ecosystem Rhine-Neckar. Michael Platten, German Cancer Research Center and Professor of Neurology, Division Chair and Founder of Tcelltech and Professor Dr. Carsten Müller-Tidow, Medical Director of the Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology at the UKHD and spokesperson for the newly founded Center for Gene and Cell Therapy shared fascinating insights into the transformational power in precision medicine.
CGT approaches are currently more often applied in other field than rare diseases only. Yunsi Olyslager, Director, Clinical Scientist Leader Oncology at Janssen (Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson) explained the story of Ciltacel, Janssen’s first approved CAR-T therapy for patients living with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Finally Katja Betts, CEO of PROGEN explained how PROGEN can support companies in the gene therapy field, being a small piece but integral part of the puzzle to bring gene therapy safely and quickly to patients
The Young Scientists’ Pitch Competition
celebrated the research power of “rising academic stars” from the region. Six promising young researchers presented their research projects to key opinion leaders from the region. The audience nominated Elly Marcq, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, accompanied by the monetary prize of € 1000.
Julia Schaft, CEO of BioRN, summarizes: "I am excited about the excellent science and innovation presented today! Making young talent visible and connecting them to our ecosystem has a special place at BioRN. This week we were able to demonstrate that with not one but three events we are involved in. The BioLabs Grand Opening on September 27, the Life Science Investors' Day Heidelberg yesterday and today with the BAC. This week we were able to move a lot for the innovation region!”
Linking up European Health Ecosystems: For the first time, a delegation from Leuven and Brussels took the opportunity to network with selected stakeholders - embedded in the thematic framework of the BAC and organized by BioRN. At the pre-event, around 50 participants met for networking discussions, supplemented by short presentations. The visit to the BAC was another highlight of the delegation's trip.
Enlargement of the exhibition space
The accompanying exhibition creates further space for business opportunities and networking and will be expanded in the future. This is made possible by the event's relocation to the Heidelberg Congress Center, which offers many possibilities for growth with flexible room options.
Find the press release in German language: