Every success story begins somewhere. Discover two particularly successful start-ups that emerged within our walls.
NovImmune was founded in 1998 by renowned immunologist Bernard Mach then a professor at the University of Geneva. From its creation until 2007, the company was based at La Tulipe, where it focused on translating academic advances in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases into therapeutic solutions. Specializing in fully human antibody-based treatments for complex conditions such as cancer and immune disorders, NovImmune quickly gained prominence. The company raised approximately CHF 270 million in total, including CHF 60 million in 2014—one of the largest biotech fundraisings in Switzerland that year. A major milestone was achieved in 2018 with the approval of its first drug for a rare disease. In 2019, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) pharmaceutical company acquired the commercial rights to the antibody for approximately CHF 515 million. Today, the former NovImmune operates under the name Light Chain Bioscience with different investors and specializes in bi-specific antibodies. The company remains a key player in the development of next generation treatments.
Learn moreAMAL Therapeutics was incorporated in 2012 as a spin-off from the University of Geneva. At the time, the company's founder, Dr. Madiha Derouazi, was an oncology researcher at both the Geneva University Hospitals and faculty of Medicine. The project was initiated in the laboratory of Prof. Pierre-Yves Dietrich and Dr. Paul Walker, laying of the foundation for the innovative cancer vaccine platform developed at AMAL Therapeutics. Following 1.5 years of academic research, AMAL Therapeutics moved to La Tulipe in 2013, where the company successfully optimized and advanced its therapeutic cancer vaccines.
A significant milestone was reached in 2019 when AMAL Therapeutics was acquired by the German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim for approximately half a billion Swiss francs, recognizing the potential of its pioneering technology in immuno-oncology.
The support provided by Boehringer Ingelheim has enabled AMAL Therapeutics to pursue and expand the research and clinical development of its cancer vaccines. AMAL Therapeutics continues to operate within the premises of the La Tulipe Foundation for Medical Research, fostering a connection to its origins.
