HUMABS BioMed

Humabs BioMed is an antibody therapeutics biotechnology company based in Greater Zurich. The company focuses on discovering and developing fully human monoclonal antibodies to treat serious infections and has a portfolio of more than fifteen immunotherapy products.

Humabs internally is developing antibodies against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), for instance, which is currently in preclinical development. Furthermore, it is developing antibodies against major public health threats, including MERS-CoV, Zika, Dengue, Ebola and Rabies viruses in collaboration with various public health agencies.

Humabs was hived off from the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Bellinzona in 2004 with which it has still a strong collaborative relationship. In 2017, it was taken over by the U.S. corporation Vir Biotechnology.

New research lab in the Greater Zurich Area

Humabs BioMed has opened a new research laboratory in Bellinzona. The canton of Ticino, the most recent extension of Greater Zurich to the south, offers excellent conditions for the growth of the biopharmaceutical company.

The laboratory covers an area of 500 square meters and includes an equally large office unit. The new location will have space for more than 50 employees to work. Vir Biotechnology not only decided to keep the site in the Greater Zurich Area after the takeover of Humabs but also to invest further in it. Filippo Riva, CEO of Humabs BioMed, is convinced that the location will help strengthen research lines and accelerate developments.