Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. is China’s largest pharmaceutical company, as ranked by market value and established a subsidiary in the Greater Zurich Area in September 2021. Hengrui Europe Biosciences AG sees itself as a startup and focuses on innovative, antibody-based biotherapeutics as well as mRNA medicinal products. With this spin-off, Hengrui is strengthening its engagement in Switzerland. Hengrui ranks 21st worldwide* and employs 28,000 members of staff, of whom around 5,000 work in research and development. Its activities focus on oncology but also include metabolic, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases.
* According to the Global 1000 Pharmaceutical Companies Report published by the investment bank Torreya, Hengrui ranks the 21st out of the top global pharma companies in 2020.
Hengrui establishes European research hub in Greater Zurich
In Zurich, Hengrui Europe Biosciences is establishing an innovative antibody discovery platform in order to introduce new therapeutic possibilities in oncology and immunology. Greater Zurich is the ideal location for this type of research-based work with major expansion plans according to Slavoljub Milosevic. He is at the helm of the startup in his capacity as Vice President, Head of European Research Center, Biologic Drug Discovery.
Biotech ecosystem is an international location advantage
Internationally speaking, Slavoljub Milosevic rates Greater Zurich as a leading innovative biotech hub with an excellent talent pool. The Greater Zurich Area has a dynamic and cooperative biotech community, which includes many companies that are already involved in antibody research. Hengrui Europe Biosciences plans to actively participate in this ecosystem, as a member of the Bio-Technopark Schlieren network, for example.
Slavoljub Milosevic states that these location advantages are promoted by renowned universities, where many biotech startups have emerged, and a multinational business environment.
Hengrui Europe Biosciences will settle in the new business park Manufakt8048 in Zurich Altstetten from spring 2022. Overall, 60 percent of the total area of around 1,300 square meters will be dedicated to laboratory infrastructure. The recruitment process is ongoing; the number of employees in Zurich is to grow to over 30 members of staff next year.
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