The young Swiss biotech company CDR-Life is about to start its first clinical trials for new cancer therapies. In order to continue successfully implementing its growth plans, the company, which was founded in 2017 by biotech pioneers and has around 60 employees, has moved into new premises of the founding organisation grow in Horgen. For the Zimmerberg region, CDR-Life’s move from the Technopark in Schlieren to Horgen further strengthens its position as a hotspot for life sciences research.
In Horgen-Oberdorf, overlooking Lake Zurich, an international team with proven expertise is working on the development of novel, highly specific immunotherapies against various cancers. The new therapies developed by CDR-Life enable the body’s own immune system to recognise cancer-specific proteins that are normally found inside cancer cells and subsequently destroy malignant tumours. Compared to many existing immunotherapies, this therapeutic approach targets the tumour much more precisely. This increases the effectiveness and at the same time reduces the high risk of attacking healthy tissue and the associated serious side effects associated with conventional cancer therapies. With its proprietary technology platform based on antibody fragments, CDR-Life is a world leader in the development of highly specific immunotherapies.
Partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim
CDR-Life’s technology platform has met with strong interest in the industry. Boehringer Ingelheim, the largest research-based pharmaceutical company in Germany, has entered into a development partnership with CDR-Life, citing the “opportunity to work with a team that has a proven track record in the development of antibody fragment-based therapeutics”.
The resounding success of a Series A financing round with 76 million dollars in spring 2022 also documents the great confidence of investors and the financial world in the Swiss company. The capital will be used, among other things, to cover the costs of the upcoming clinical trials and to further expand the project pipeline.
Expansion opportunities at the new location
For the CEO, Christian Leisner, the move to Horgen will allow the company to keep to its ambitious development schedule. “Here in Horgen, we are embarking on a new stage on our journey towards better and safer immunotherapies for people suffering from cancer. At the same time, we are giving our employees the opportunity to develop further with a meaningful job.” Head of Finance, Konstantin von Schulthess, also states: “We can realise the targeted job expansion at the site that has been customised for us. With the modern laboratories, light-flooded workspaces and pleasant offices, we want to create the conditions for top-level research. ” The liveable and innovative region also offers attractive living conditions for employees and their families as well as good educational institutions and a diverse cultural programme.