Finance and Investment

Anacura, a Ghent-based company offering medical and pharmaceutical analytical services, announces the acquisition of OHMX.bio, a Ghent University spin-off specialized in advanced -omics technology. The acquisition expands the existing anacura group activities at AnaBioTec and Labo Nuytinck towards drug discovery and diagnostics research.
The appointments of Dr. Alain Pluquet as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Michael Tillmann as Independent Director brings extensive industrial expertise to help develop Axithra’s long-term strategy
For scientists or budding entrepreneurs with the next big idea in sports tech, the road from conceptualization to product can seem perilous, with many pitfalls along the way. To stand a chance at getting your research out of the lab and into the hands of athletes, it’s essential to start off on the right foot. Read on to see how the collaboration of scientists and sports tech development experts is helping this unique ecosystem in Belgium to flourish.
At the heart of Europe, Benelux is like a drop of ink spreading its influence internationally; an in-depth study conducted by KBC Securities placed Belgium as Europe’s leading country for biotech in 2024. This year's edition of Knowledge for Growth, hosted by the life sciences cluster flanders.bio celebrating their 20th anniversary, highlighted the vibrant Flemish life sciences ecosystem. The event took place in Antwerp, Belgium on May 15th and 16th, where industry professionals, scientists, investors, policymakers, and more gathered to share their knowledge and insights and answer why the region of Flanders, and the Benelux overall, are doing so well in this vibrant landscape.
The pursuit of scientific knowledge is at the heart of human progress – it leads to ground-breaking discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the world and our place within it. However, this noble pursuit is not without its blemishes. Scientific fraud – the deliberate misrepresentation of data or results to deceive the scientific community – poses a serious threat to the integrity of the scientific enterprise in both academia and industry. So, what can we do about it?
Novo Nordisk will acquire Cardior Pharmaceuticals for up to 1.025 billion euros, including upfront and additional payments if certain development and commercial milestones are achieved. Cardior is a leader in RNA-based therapies that have the potential to prevent, repair and reverse diseases of the heart. The company’s approach targets distinctive non-coding RNAs to address the root causes of cardiac dysfunctions and achieve lasting patient impact.
Innovative Smart Contact Lens Developer Awarded €2.5M in Funding for Groundbreaking Ocular Health Technology
Protealis, a leading innovator in seed solutions for sustainable plant proteins based in Ghent, Belgium, proudly announced today the successful completion of its B-Round funding, raising a substantial EUR 22 million.
Stepping into the role of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the first time can be a daunting prospect. In the biotech industry, the journey is marked by a unique set of hurdles, from scientific complexities, to regulatory intricacies, finance, HR, and interactions with a wide range of stakeholders. In this dynamic landscape, the role of the Chair of the Board of Directors becomes pivotal. The Chair is well-positioned to empower and support first-time CEOs, but good synergy between the duo is paramount for success.
As a CDMO in the life science industry, Unitron has a focus on the development and manufacturing of “electronics-inside” medical devices and the associated regulatory trajectory. The journey from innovative ideas to successful products are often bumpy and filled with challenges. Having a good understanding of this process and managing it well will boost your chances of success.
VIB, Flanders’ leading life sciences institute, together with lead investor V-Bio Ventures has launched a new spin-off company based on research at the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research. With an initial seed financing round supported by V-Bio Ventures, Qbic and VIB, the spin-off company is entering the obesity space with an entirely novel therapeutic approach.
Obulytix, a spin-off based on research results from Ghent University and KU Leuven, has built a platform that creates new ways to tackle bacterial infections. The innovative, phage lysin-based platform – leveraging the power of artificial intelligence – attracted a significant four-million-euro investment from Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Qbic, and Gemma Frisius Fund.
It’s been a Barbie world this summer with crowds of pink-clad moviegoers flooding the cinemas. Simultaneously, we’ve been witnessing a rush of ‘pink’ fundraising for women’s health start-ups. From pre-clinical to clinical: more companies are entering the field and developing solutions for women’s unique needs. But is their focus broad and innovative enough? And are pharma companies paying attention?