The young Swiss biotech company CDR-Life is about to start its first clinical trials for new cancer therapies. To successfully continue its growth plans, the company, founded in 2017 by biotech pioneers and now employing around 60 people, has relocated to new premises at 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 developing novel, highly specific immunotherapies for various cancers. The new therapies developed by CDR-Life enable the body’s own immune system to recognise cancer-specific proteins that are typically found inside cancer cells, leading to the destruction of malignant tumours. Compared to many existing immunotherapies, this therapeutic approach targets the tumour with much greater precision. This increases effectiveness while simultaneously reducing the high risk of attacking healthy tissue and the serious side effects often associated with conventional cancer therapies. With its proprietary technology platform based on antibody fragments, CDR-Life is a global leader in the development of highly specific immunotherapies.
Partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim
CDR-Life’s technology platform has generated strong interest within the industry. Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company, has entered into a development partnership with CDR-Life, citing the “opportunity to collaborate 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, raising 76 million dollars in spring 2022, also demonstrates the great confidence investors and the financial world have in the Swiss company. The capital will be used, among other things, to cover the costs of upcoming clinical trials and to further expand the project pipeline.
Expansion opportunities at the new location
For CEO Christian Leisner, the move to Horgen will enable the company to maintain its ambitious development schedule. “Here in Horgen, we are embarking on a new stage in our journey towards better and safer immunotherapies for people suffering from cancer. At the same time, we are offering our employees the opportunity to grow further in a meaningful role.” Head of Finance, Konstantin von Schulthess, adds: “We can achieve the planned job expansion at a site that has been customised for us. With modern laboratories, light-filled workspaces and pleasant offices, we aim to create the conditions for top-level research. ” The liveable and innovative region also provides attractive living conditions for employees and their families, along with excellent educational institutions and a diverse cultural programme.