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IN WALLONIA ❯❯ REPORT 2008 Bio tech

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I N W A L L O N I A ❯ ❯ R E P O R T 2 0 0 8

Biotech

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S F O R E W O R D 5

1 W A L L O N I A AT T H E C R O S S R O A D S O F E U R O P E A N R E G I O N S 6

2 T H E E X PA N S I O N O F T H E B I O T E C H I N D U S T R Y 8

2 . 1 H E A LT H C A R E 1 2

B I O P H A R M A C E U T I C A L S 1 3

D I A G N O S T I C T O O L S A N D B I O M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G I E S 1 4

R E S E A R C H A N D P R O D U C T I O N I N B I O L O G I C A L S 1 7

T I S S U E E N G I N E E R I N G 1 9

2 . 2 S E R V I C E A N D T E C H N O L O G Y P R O V I D E R S 2 0

D R U G D I S C O V E R Y S E R V I C E S 2 1

B I O I N F O R M AT I C S 2 1

C O N T R A C T M A N U FA C T U R I N G A N D R E S E A R C H 2 2

2 . 3 A G R I - F O O D 2 4

2 . 4 E N V I R O N M E N T 2 7

3 W A L L O N I A : A R E G I O N F O R G R O W T H A N D S U C C E S S 3 0

3 . 1 E X C E L L E N C E I N R E S E A R C H : T H E B I O T E C H N O P O L E S 3 1

3 . 2 E X C E L L E N C E I N I N C E N T I V E S 3 5

3 . 2 E X C E L L E N C E I N N E T W O R K I N G A N D C O A C H I N G 3 8

T I M E T O H A R V E S T 4 0

U S E F U L I N F O R M AT I O N 4 2

A B B R E V I AT I O N S 4 2

M A I N A D D R E S S E S 4 4

I N D E X 4 7

PHOTO: CNCM, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

As soon as the first wave of biotechnology rose in Europe, Wallonia saw an opportunity to enter this key sector.

The Wallonia authorities started to help newborn companies to devise their strategic plans. Moreover, as these start-ups

were facing a highly competitive environment, the risk of “sudden death” was great. This did not deter the entrepreneurial

mind in Wallonia. On the contrary, biotechnology was chosen as a top priority sector to position the region at the forefront of

European Bio-regions. The existing chemical and pharmaceutical companies provided the industrial expertise necessary to

appreciate the results of the highly innovative research that was taking place in the universities. The life sciences sector

could now enter a new phase of development. The ambition of many of these entrepreneurs has since turned to a rapid

expansion and a shift of their activities towards the segments with the highest added value.

Wallonia can count on the Directorate General of Technology, Research and Energy (DGTRE), being the “one stop-shop” for

research in the region. The DGTRE continually updates its portfolio of grants and subsidies to stimulate innovative research.

It actively promotes the appeal of the Region with the help of the Wallonia Export and Foreign Investment Agency (AWEX).

These two agencies work in synergy to catalyze the development of this high growth/high value sector.

Together, they act as a fertilizer that continues to increase the chances of harvesting even more fruit !

“Beyond seeding inventions into innovative enterprises, time for harvesting has come”

F O R E W O R D

W A L L O N I A AT T H E C R O S S R O A D S

O F E U R O P E A N R E G I O N S

Wallonia is one of the three regions in the Kingdom of

Belgium, situated to the South of Brussels, Belgium’s capi-

tal city. Wallonia is located at the center of a 400-km circle

in Europe that encompasses London, Amsterdam, Paris,

Strasbourg and Dusseldorf. Wallonia is home to Belgium’s

French- and German-speaking communities. Its 3.34 mil-

lion inhabitants live at the crossroads of the Germanic,

Anglo-Saxon and Latin cultures. This central location and

high level of cross-cultural fertilization explains the quality

of the Wallonia entrepreneurial spirit.

The region represents 55% of the Belgian territory and con-

tains most of the country’s natural resources like water and

forests. Beautiful landscapes with valleys and rivers add to

Wallonia’s enjoyable lifestyle, blending the Latin way of life

with the rigor of northern Europe.

Wallonia has one of the best travel networks in Europe.

Moreover, as optical cables have been laid along these

highways, they have become true “Infobahn’s”, leading the

region into the “digital age”.

According to official economic data, the service sectors

predominate in Wallonia, comprising 74% of the regional

gross added value and 77% of regional employment.

Wallonia is famous for the highly technical character of its

products, though they are mainly considered traditional

activities. In recent years, R&D expenditure has increased

in the business sector so that it now equals the European

Union (EU) average. Wallonia’s entrepreneurs have accu-

mulated impressive know-how by concentrating on high

growth niches in sectors like sciences, aerospace, biotech-

nology, microelectronics, new material and information

technology.

The region is actively building a strategy for research and

innovation in order to promote technological development.

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BRUSSELS

MONS

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTRES

UNIVERSITY CENTRES

NIVELLES

CHARLEROI

TOURNAI

NAMUR

MARCHE

LIBRAMONTFRANCE

GERMANY

NETHERLANDS

LUXEMBURG

ARLON

BASTOGNE

LOUVAINLA-NEUVE

GEMBLOUX

WAVRE

VERVIERS

LIEGE

��

Technology sectors accounted for 8.6 % of salaried

employment in 2006, but recently, employment has been

increasing rapidly in high-tech manufacturing industries,

chiefly in the pharmaceutical and life science industries.

This “innovation system” is based on collaboration

between universities, research centers, and financial and

public sectors, all of which contribute to the development

and extension of the region’s productive base.

Wallonia is also well integrated in the EU as over 83% of

its exports are devoted to the EU. Its main exports are

mechanical, engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical

products.

PARIS

LONDON

BRUSSELS KÖLN

AMSTERDAM

STRASBOURG

In the 21st century, Wallonia’s biotechnology sector has

regained strength. Dynamic entrepreneurs and innovative

research institutes have combined their efforts with local

and regional agencies, namely, the Directorate General of

Technology, Research and Energy (DGTRE), the Wallonia Export

and Foreign Investment Agency (AWEX) and the important

financial arm of the local authorities, the Société Regionale

d’Investissement de Wallonie (SRIW).

As a result of this cooperation, Wallonia has shown continu-

ous revenue growth in its 76 biotechnology companies.

The turnover in 2006 amounts to € 2,451 million growing

by more than 4 % since 2003.

The total number of companies increased from 69 to 76

due on the one hand to the creation of new companies (an

increase of 6 since 2003), and on the other to the recent

introduction of biotechnology activities in existing compa-

nies (an increase of 2). This has helped the region take

more than 79% of the country’s share of the biotechnology

activity, as shown in table 2.

T H E E X PA N S I O N O F

T H E B I O T E C H I N D U S T R Y

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Table 1

Biotech activity in Wallonia

1997 2001 2003 2006 Increase (2003-2006)

Nbr. of companies 25 55 69 76 + 10 %

Revenues (mio €) 1,034 1,994 2,376 2,451 + 4 %

Nbr. of employees 3,034 4,461 5,227 7,464 + 43 %

“Source: own data collected and compiled by Centre PME (HEC – ULg)”

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This success is amplified by the support of large established

life-sciences groups based in the region.

Interestingly the 67 small- and medium-size entrepreneurial

companies are increasingly contributing to the growth of the

sector. The largest contribution in the biotech turnover of

Wallonia comes from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals which con-

tributes to 67 % of the regional figure with € 1,661 million rev-

enues posted in 2006. This table does not include “non-

biotech” activities of pharmaceutical companies, such as

UCB on their Braine site or SMB Technologies, or Galephar,…

There is a common “20/80” rule that states the top 20 com-

panies represent at least 80% of total revenues. This is even

truer in an industry like biotech where very young compa-

nies strive to start and create their own niche. Meanwhile,

established companies benefit from the technologies gener-

ated by small innovative enterprises when their research

programs develop into marketable products. Given time,

the younger companies will become a key source of innova-

tive products, and inevitably additional revenue.

The total figure includes successful companies that are

global leaders in their field, that is, GlaxoSmithKline

Biologicals, UCB Pharma SA, Baxter Healthcare, Lonza Braine

and Eurogentec. They are powerhouses that stimulate the

entire sector in the region. They invest heavily in research

programs, not only internally, but also externally through

cooperation with local universities and smaller biotech ven-

tures.

Moreover, they are local producers and distribute their

products worldwide from Belgium.

The leading sectors are “Healthcare” and “Agri-bio”, com-

prising two-thirds of the companies and more than 95% of

the turnover.

“Waste management” is still a relatively young industry

borne of the concerns brought about by industrial pollution

and the increased environmental protection directives driv-

en by the public authorities at the European level.

Companies active in the sector have begun to develop

methods to treat waste based on chemical or mechanical

techniques.

Biotechnology today is introducing more “eco-friendly”

tools and technologies. Bioremediation, for example, uses

selected microorganisms to restore soil to its previous state

or to cleanse water and air of different types of pollutants.

As “environmental biotechnology” is still mixed with tradi-

tional processes, figures provide only the percentage of the

biotech techniques used in the larger activities in “waste

management”.

Table 2

Wallonia’s share of biotech activity in Belgium in 2006

Nbr. of Revenues Revenue Nbr. of EmployeesCompanies (mio €) % of Total employees % of Total

Brussels 25 143 5 % 463 5 %

Flanders 51 499 16 % 2,103 21 %

Wallonia 76 2,451 79 % 7,464 74 %

Total 153 3,093 100 % 10,030 100 %

“Source: own data collected and compiled by Centre PME (HEC – ULg)”

Table 3

Comparison between SME and large companies in 2006

Nbr. of Revenues Revenue Nbr. of EmployeesCompanies (mio €) % of Total employees % of Total

Large 9 2,040 83 % 5,650 76 %

SMEs * 67 411 17 % 1,814 24 %

Total 76 2,451 100 % 7,464 100 %

SMEs: Less than 250 employees, annual turnover not exceeding € 40million, and not member of a large company group.“Source: own data collected and compiled by Centre PME (HEC – ULg)”

Table 4

Biotech activity by sector in 2006

Nbr. of Revenues Revenue Nbr. of EmployeesCompanies (mio €) % of Total employees % of Total

Healthcare 33 2,101 86 % 6,081 81 %

Agri-bio 19 231 9 % 658 9 %

Environment 8 16 1 % 86 1 %

Technology& Services 16 103 4 % 639 9 %

Total 76 2,451 100 % 7,464 100 %

“Source: own data collected and compiled by Centre PME (HEC-ULg)”

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PHOTO: Molecular structure of cytochrome B562 of E.Coli (CBMN, FUSAGx)

Table 5

Wallonia in Europe (2006)

Year 2006 Europe (*) Wallonia %

Inhabitants (million) 385 3.4 0.88%

Biotech companies (number of) 1,621 76 4.69%

Employment (FTE) 75,810 7,464 9.85%

(*) Ernst & Young, Beyond Borders: The European Biotechnology Report 2007 (analysis year 2006)

With less than one percent of the European population,

Wallonia compares favorably with other European countries.

With 7,464 people employed in the sector in 2006, Wallonia

boasts biotech revenues of € 2,451 million generated by 76

life sciences companies. This development is favored by

the presence of 7 university centers and 5 science parks

active in the field of biotechnology.

The beginning of the21st century meets thepromises.The presence of highly qualified scientists and skilled techni-

cians enables Wallonia to attract investment in research

centers and production facilities. Creation of new companies,

mergers and acquisitions, and management buy-outs con-

tribute to the strengthening of the biotech sector in the region.

The food and agricultural industry represents a very impor-

tant part of the gross national product in European coun-

tries, and this is also true for Wallonia with its large farm-

lands and forests.

However the “biotech applications” in this sector remain

limited. Compared to other Europeans Belgians are quite

receptive to novel foods and products derived from the bio-

logical research. Legislation enables research to be con-

ducted in this field. Companies involved in genetic engi-

neering of plants are more dependent on consumer choices

than those active in cattle selection or in enzyme produc-

tion.

As indicated in table 5, Wallonia demonstrates a significant

strength in stimulating the entrepreneurial mind of scientists

and businessmen from an European perspective.

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Table 6

Some Relevant Biotech Events since 2006 (*)

2005 December Creation of Lung Therapy Systems (LTS), a spin-off of University of Liege.

2006 along the year Implementation of the Wallonia “Marshall Plan” with a € 1.0 billion funding over 4 years and the

creation of five competitiveness hubs, two of them are in the Biotech sector, namely Biowin (health)

and Wagralim (agro-industry).

2006 June Creation of ProGenosis, a spin-off of University of Liege.

2006 June Creation of Bone Therapeutics, a spin-off from the Free University of Brussels.

2006 September Creation of Wallonia Biotech Coaching to stimulate the creation and the maturation of biotech

spin-offs, start-ups, etc.

2006 October ZenTech launched a new diagnostic technology for the early diagnosis of arthrosis.

2007 IBA to move towards acquisition of CIS BIO International.

2007 January Pfizer Animal Health, Louvain-la-Neuve invests € 40 Mio in vaccine manufacturing.

2007 January After the acquisition of UK biotechnology firm Celltech for € 2.25 billion in 2004, UCB purchased

the German pharmaceutical company Schwarz Pharma for € 4.4 billion.

2007 February Aepodia, spin-out of a top 10 US Pharma Company which offered its experience in different

therapeutic areas to develop and execute early phase clinical plans.

2007 April Launch of Cervarix vaccine by GSK Biologicals.

2007 June OncoMethylome Sciences and EXACT Sciences announce commercial agreements for colorectal

cancer screening.

2007 September UCL signed a research agreement with the Californian firm StemCells to develop alternative

methods for liver transplantation.

2007 September OncoMethylome Sciences announces positive research results on its urine test for prostate and

bladder cancer.

2007 October OncoMethylome Sciences raised € 10.6 million through a private placement to institutional and

qualified investors.

2007 October Signing of the Quality Charter for the Science Parks of Wallonia (SPoW) and official recognition by

the International Association of Science Parks (IASP).

2007 November Vitalea Science Partners with SGS Life Science Services to provide microdosing studies in SGS’

Belgian facility.

2007 November OncoMethylome Sciences to collaborate with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals for personalized cancer

treatment.

2007 November Kitozyme marketed its first industrial batch of ultra-pure chitosane to a pharmaceutical company

for the development of new medicines (investment of € 9.5 million for a new production plant).

2007 December Vaccine shows promise in preventing mononucleosis (Prof. E. Sokal, UCL).

2008 January DNAVision is the first European service laboratory to obtain GLP Certification

(*) Data collected from Biosmile (www.biosmile.eu)

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H E A L T H C A R E

With more than 400 biopharmaceuticals worldwide and

countless new diagnostics and research tools, healthcare is

the sector benefiting most from advances in biotechnology.

The “Human Genome Project” produced its first results in

2000 and triggered a wave of company creation throughout

the world’s healthcare field.

We have chosen to distinguish therapy from diagnostics &

biomedicine and research tools.

The first sector is “biopharmaceuticals” and it encompasses

different therapies based or derived from biotechnology:

recombinant proteins, gene therapy, vaccines and so on.

“Diagnostics and medical technologies” is the second sec-

tor and includes diagnostic tools and biomedical instru-

ments.

The third sector is “research tools” and consists of products

for research and production, namely, oligonucleotides, pep-

tides, labeled compounds, separation tools, and so forth.

Companies in the healthcare sector usually feature research

and development, production and commercial divisions as

they are active at the international level.

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S E C T O R S

2 1 HEALTHCARE 12

2 2 SERVICE AND TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS 20

2 3 AGRI-FOOD 24

2 4 ENVIRONMENT 27

PHOTO: Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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B I O P H A R M A C E U T I C A L S

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK Biologicals) is a subsidiary

of GlaxoSmithKline, the second pharmaceutical company

worldwide created in 2000 by the merger of

SmithKlineBeecham and GlaxoWellcome. GSK Biologicals

is a world leader in the field of human vaccines and is

based in Rixensart, 20 km south-east of Brussels. In 2006,

GSK Biologicals enjoyed a healthy 22% share of the world

vaccine market (which represents 35 vaccine doses distrib-

uted every second) and the sales were 1.7 billion £ (about

2.2 billion €) which represented an increase of 23%. Early

2008, about 9000 employees are working at GSK

Biologicals, two thirds of them in Belgium, mainly in

Rixensart and Wavre.

In 1986, GSK Biologicals launched the first vaccine for

human use made by genetic engineering (Engerix B)

against Hepatitis B produced in yeast. This vaccine boost-

ed the vaccinology research and was at the basis of the

company’s success story.

Today, 30 vaccines produced by GSK Biologicals are on

the market and 11 of them are world first. Among the most

recent successes of GSK Biologicals let’s cite Rotarix, the

fist vaccine against the diarrhea induced in infants by the

rotavirus, which was launched in Latin America in 2005 and

in Europe in 2006 and Cervarix, a vaccine shown 100%

effective to prevent the cervix cancer caused by the 2 main

serotypes of human papilloma virus (16/18) which was

launched in 2007 in Europe and now in close to 60 coun-

tries.

Most of the preclinical research of GSK Biologicals (>80%)

is done in Belgium on the site of Rixensart and about 20

vaccines are at different stages of clinical development. A

prepandemic vaccine against Flu H5N1 has been recently

shown to induce cross-protective antibodies. This vaccine

is in the final stage of registration and is already ordered by

several countries. In 2007, a vaccine against malaria has

been shown protective in very young infants in Africa and

will reach the market in the coming years. This will be the

first malaria vaccine in the world with the potential to save

millions of lives in infants less than 5 years old. Very encour-

aging results were also obtained in clinic with a therapeutic

vaccine against melanoma and lung cancer. All those vac-

cines are based on new adjuvants designed by GSK

Biologicals.

In Wallonia, GSK Biologicals plays a key role in supporting

research in universities namely through collaborations in the

field of cancer in the context of BioWin or through Public-

Private-Partnership in collaboration with Wallonia, namely in

the fields of inflammation and allergy.

GSK Biologicals also plays a key role in the regional tech-

nological development. Its first spin-out (Aseptic

Technologies) has been created in 2004 in Crealys, to per-

form an innovative aseptic filling of vials with injectable

products. With the help of Wallonia Region, GSK Biologicals

has participated to the creation of IMI (Institute of Medical &

Immunology) in Gosselies in 2004 and to that of the vacci-

nology center of Biovallée in Gosselies in 2007.

UCB – a global leader in the biopharmaceuticalindustryUCB is a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry

dedicated to the research, development and commercial-

ization of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology

products in the fields of central nervous system disorders,

allergy/respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory dis-

orders and oncology. UCB focuses on securing a leading

position in severe disease categories. Employing around 12

PHOTO: GIGA, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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000 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of

3.6 billion euro in 2007. UCB S.A. is listed on Euronext

Brussels stock exchange.

UCB is an R&D-driven company, investing over 25% of

sales in Research and Development every year. R&D is the

lifeblood of UCB’s future and is vital in delivering the

planned growth of the organisation. Its strength is based on

a strong understanding of selected therapeutic areas and

disease targets, a novel and entrepreneurial use of discov-

ery technologies for the development of breakthrough med-

icines, and through embracing innovation in drug develop-

ment to push the boundaries of R&D.

With the merger of UCB and Schwarz Pharma completed

during 2007, the combined portfolios resulted in one of the

strongest development pipelines in the sector; targeting

severe diseases with a focus on neurology, inflammation

and oncology.

Partnering is fundamental to UCB’s corporate strategy and

daily business. It is through partnering that UCB optimises

its pipeline by establishing discovery research and early

clinical stage collaborations in its areas of focus. UCB has

a track record of successful partnerships with both acade-

mia and leading drug discovery organisations. UCB’s

strategic partnerships range from research to joint discov-

ery, joint development, commercialisation and manufactur-

ing agreements with a wide range of small to large compa-

nies.

In Belgium, UCB has close to 2500 employees (500 in

R&D) and hires more than 300 new staff per year. UCB is

the leading Belgian R&D investor, all sectors included,

according to an EU commission report.

Baxter HealthcareBaxter employs +/- 2.000 people in Belgium and has a

Research & Development Centre in Nivelles and a large

manufacturing plant as well as a European distribution

centre in Lessines.

Baxter R&D Europe is one of Baxter’s International

European research sites. The Center was established in

Nivelles in 1978 and works closely with Baxter’s manufac-

turing plant situated in nearby Lessines, as well as with the

other European plants. Operating from the heart of Europe,

the Center employs a multidisciplinary group of scientists,

engineers and technicians from many different back-

grounds and countries, supported by administrative services.

D I A G N O S T I C T O O L S A N D B I O M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G I E S

Since the early seventies, Wallonia has embarked on an

ambitious program to boost the development of the diag-

nostics sector. Today, the region remains at the forefront of

this field thanks to continuous innovative research.

One of the hot topics in diagnostics is the implementation

of the latest DNA chemistry in microchips to create a new

technology known as DNA MicroArrays especially or more

simply “biochips”. Two companies are positioning them-

selves to become leaders in this promising field: Eppendorf

Array Technologies (EAT), ProBiox and Diagenode.

PHOTO: CNCM, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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Eppendorf Array Technologies as Competence Centerfor biochipsTo complete the existing supply, Professor J. Remacle,

head of the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Biochemistry at

the University of Namur, founded Advanced Array

Technologies (AAT) in 1999 to commercialize the results of

the research performed in his lab with the support of

Wallonia (DGTRE).

As a result of combined expertise and an innovative tech-

nology patent portfolio, AAT became a leading biochips

supplier for pharmaceutical and academic researchers.

AAT combines the ability to develop and produce

advanced biochips, unique labeling methods for microar-

rays and next generation microarray formats.

In August 2002, Eppendorf placed its confidence definitive-

ly in the Namur company, which became Eppendorf Array

Technologies (EAT) and is known as the competence center

for the arrays and related technologies for the Eppendorf

group.

EAT developed a series of high quality biochips products

for quantitative analysis and a growing product pipeline

while now having access to Eppendorf’s global distribution

network. EAT is setting up full production facilities for

biochips in Namur.

The EAT-developed products are part of the Eppendorf

basket of research tools for the biotechnology and research

laboratories. Eppendorf AG has a worldwide distribution

network and has more than 1,600 employees on four conti-

nents.

Since 2006, EAT also coordinates the first project support-

ed by the Pole Biowin (KeyMarker project).

Probiox - Oxidative stress profilingOxygen and hence oxidation is essential to life, but this

process also generates highly reactive ‘agressive’ mole-

cules in our body. In order to maintain health, a delicate

balance is required between the ‘pro-oxidants’ and antioxi-

dant defense systems (for instance consuming fruits and

vegetables rich in antioxydants). Oxidative stress is known

to be linked to the development of a broad range of dis-

eases (including cardiovascular disease, diabetes,

Alzheimer,...).

Probiox deploys its proprietary technologies for measuring,

interpreting and controlling oxidative stress in three busi-

ness areas.

The company serves the nutraceutical and food supple-

ment industries, helping its customers to demonstrate the

health effect of food ingredients with antioxidant properties.

Probiox also holds a granted European and US patent relat-

ed to oxidative stress profiling in the context of healthy

aging, wellness and sports medicine. Probiox works with a

partner network of clinical laboratories in Europe.

Finally, the company develops proprietary biomarkers

aimed at addressing unmet diagnostic needs in the area of

obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Probiox has

organised a series of clinical trials in the context of which it

deploys its proprietary diagnostic tools. These trials have

already allowed the company to identify and patent candi-

date molecular markers which are currently undergoing

final validation.

Biocode HycelIn 2000, Biocode Hycel started the development of a new

system based on a chemiluminescence technology.

Today, Biocode Hycel develops reagents to feed its new

bench-top, random and continuous access, walk-away

automated analyzer (3X3) for immunoassays, clinical chem-

istry and coagulation.

The 3x3 platform accommodates disposable unique reac-

tion cuvettes, schedules and manages all the tasks com-

manded by the interface via an Ethernet connection

(TCP/IP port), providing laboratories with a multi-functions

PHOTO: Adipocytes precursors (Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire, UCL)

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versatile, innovative and cost-saving tool.

Since 2007, Biocode Hycel is a subsidiary of

Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc (IDS) and the

Liege site is responsible for the production of the reagents

dedicated to the 3X3 analyser.

ZentechZentech is a biotechnology company specialised in the In

Vitro Diagnosis (IVD) of pathologies at the Early Life Stage

of human beings from the conception of the foetus till the

adolescence. This specialisation is further enhanced by

competence in rapid diagnostic testing for the Point-of-

Care market and for population screening as well as in the

automation of the medical diagnostic laboratory processes.

Because of its vast basket of available technologies,

Zentech is able to cover the entire spectrum of the IVD

market, from simple and robust diagnostic kits to molecular

biology extremely sophisticated and automated kits.

Zentech aims to be a leader in its specialised niche by

introducing diagnostic kits with innovative and proprietary

technologies specifically developed for paediatric usage

and adapted to the requirements of non-invasive and rapid

assays.

Zentech is proud to be involved in the improvement of the

health of the foetus, the pregnant mother, the newborn and

the child by providing In Vitro Diagnosis solutions for a bet-

ter screening of acute and chronic pathologies that could

affect the quality of life and the individual’s survival.

The Asia-Pacific countries account for more than the half of

the world population from 0 to 14 years old and have the

highest growth rate of births. Zentech has a subsidiary

based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam acting as commercial

and logistic arm in the Asia-Pacific countries.

BiosourceBioSource develops, manufactures and markets a complete

panel of quality immunoassays as accurate, reliable, diag-

nostic tools to detect and monitor endocrine disorders and

infectious diseases, such as Growth Retardation, Fertility

and Reproduction, Diabetes, Cancer, Cardiovascular

Diseases, Bone Metabolism, Thyroid Diseases, Down’s

Syndrome, Prenatal Screening, etc. BioSource products are

distributed worldwide, carry the CE mark and comply with

IVD requirements.

Coris BioconceptCoris BioConcept develops, produces and sells a one-step

membrane test aimed at the detection of human infectious

diseases (enteric and respiratory) and resistance mecha-

nisms to antibiotics in bacteria. Coris has developed sever-

al proprietary technologies aim at the rapid detection of

either antigens or molecular products. These tests are

based on colloidal gold particles or latex microspheres.

Coris BioConcept participates actively into five projects of

the 6 th Framework Program for Research and

Development (FP6): SARS-DTV and EACCAD, two specific

and targeted research projects (STREP), a network of

excellence (NoE), as well as TRYLEIDIAG and CONTRAST,

two specific research projects for international cooperation

(STREP-INCO).

OncoMethylome SciencesOncoMethylome Sciences (OMS) was founded in 2002 as a

spin-out from Tibotec-Virco, a Belgian HIV/AIDS therapeu-

tics and diagnostics company. The Company´s offices are

located in the Research Triangle Park area of Durham, NC,

USA, in Wallonia, and in the Netherlands.

OMS is specialized in molecular oncology diagnostics for

early detection and individualized treatment of cancer.

OncoMethylome’s products are based on methylation tech-

nology invented by Johns Hopkins University (USA).

OncoMethylome Sciences is a molecular diagnostics com-

pany developing gene methylation tests to assist physi-

cians in effectively detecting and treating cancer.

Specifically, the company’s tests are designed to help the

PHOTO: CART, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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physician (i) accurately detect cancer in early stages of

cancer development, (ii) predict a patient’s response to

drug therapy, and (iii) predict the likelihood of cancer recur-

rence.

OncoMethylome boasts a broad product development

pipeline consisting of ten products and a solid partnering

record. The company collaborates with leading international

molecular oncology research centers, such as The Johns

Hopkins University, and has a number of commercial and

collaborative partnerships with Veridex LLC, a Johnson &

Johnson company, Schering-Plough Corp., GlaxoSmithKline

Biologicals, Abbott, Millipore Corporation’s BioScience

Division, and EXACT Sciences Corp. OncoMethylome’s

products are based on methylation technology invented by

Johns Hopkins University (USA).

DNAVisionDNAVision is a spin-off of University of Brussels and Institute

of Pathology and Genetics. The mission of DNAVision is to

provide innovative services based on the analysis of nucleic

acids (DNA/RNA) for industrial customers (pharma / biotech

and agri-food market) and medical professionals (hospitals,

genetic centres, research institutes).

Its first mission is to develop personalized medicine based

on patient’s DNA/RNA profile (pharmacogenetic / pharma-

cogenomic) in order to predict drug response.

DNAVision is the first full-service laboratory to receive this

certification in Europe for pharmacogenomic and toxicoge-

nomic studies on medicinal products with respect to the

OECD and the EU principles of GLP (Good Laboratory

Practices). R E S E A R C H A N D P R O D U C T I O N I N B I O L O G I C A L S

EurogentecThe story starts in 1985 when Prof. Joseph Martial and Dr.

André Renard, from the University of Liege Laboratory of

Molecular Biology, founded the company. In a couple of

years, Eurogentec (EGT) emerged as a worldwide leader in

the field of oligonucleotide synthesis.

EGT, with its headquarters in the Liege Science Park, has

grown into a 290-employee company with subsidiaries in

France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, a branch office

in Switzerland and production facilities in San Diego (USA)

and in Toyama (Japan). The company is also present in

Singapore thanks to a partnership with AIT Biotech Pte Ltd

(previously Research Biolabs).

Table 7

Companies in diagnostics and medical technologies

Affiland Affinity supports

Analis Reagents and instrumentation

Biocode Hycel Diagnostics reagents and instrumentation

Biosource Research and diagnostics reagents

Coris Bioconcept Diagnostics reagents

Diagam Diagnostics reagents

Diagenode Molecular biology diagnostics

DNAVision Pharmacogenomics / Pharmacogenetics

D-Tek Diagnostics reagents

Eppendorf Array Technologies DNA-microchips

OncoMethylome Sciences Molecular oncology diagnostics

Probiox DNA-microchips

Straticell 3D skin culture modeling

Unisensor Diagnostics for environment and food contamination

Zentech Diagnostics reagents and special therapy

PHOTO: Cunninghamella elegans (Unité de Microbiologie, UCL)

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Under the leadership of Jean-Pierre Delwart, the company’s

CEO, EGT remained consistently profitable in the extremely

competitive environment of genomics and proteomics sup-

pliers as well as biopharmaceuticals contract manufactur-

ing. Revenues grew from € 12.3 million in 1998 to € 36.3

million in 2006/2007.

The platform activities of enabling technologies are organ-

ized around two business units:

The «Tools for Genomics and Proteomics» business unit is

specialised in oligonucleotide synthesis with a large range

of modifications, oligonucleotides for In Vitro Diagnostic

(IVD), Real-Time qPCR, microRNA, siRNA, DNA MicroArray

services and proposes a wide range of kits and consum-

ables. The company also provides a full-service package

for the design and the synthesis of peptides, the production

of polyclonal antibodies in a wide range of animal models

and the production of monoclonal antibodies. Peptide-,

antibody- and protein arrays are also key areas of expert-

ise. The IVD service platform provides cGMP oligonu-

cleotide components and fill&finish capability for commer-

cial IVD and molecular diagnostic assays.

The «Biologics» business unit is a well-established full-

service biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing organi-

zation. It provide technology transfer, process develop-

ment, process characterisation and validation, cGMP man-

ufacturing of recombinant proteins and plasmid DNA

obtained by microbial fermentation for preclinical, clinical

and commercial use. The cGMP-certified production facili-

ties employs more than 70 staff members, cover 585 m2

(6,297 sq. ft) in 6 multi-products independent manufactur-

ing areas with fermentor capacity ranging from 50 to 350l

and the matching downstream capacity. The operations are

in compliance with FDA and EMEA cGMP requirements.

The products manufactured so far belong to four major cat-

egories: therapeutic proteins, prophylactic proteins/carbo-

hydrates, plasmid DNA, and live mutated bacteria (vac-

cines).

The company offers a complete range of services including

gene cloning and synthesis, fermentation, downstream

purification and full-scale GMP production of biopharma-

ceuticals. Projects can be taken from the earliest stage of

production process design to the actual manufacturing of

GMP lots of recombinant protein or plasmid DNA for human

trials or for market supply.

LonzaLonza Braine, the peptides division of the Swiss Lonza

Group, a chemical and biotechnology company driven by

the life sciences, is a highly specialized Contract Servicing

Organization providing a scope of customized services to

third party pharmaceutical companies, including custom

process development (API) and related activities, industrial,

cGMP-compliant manufacturing capacities and chemical

technologies.

In the early 80’s, some UCB scientists launched an initial

development project on small therapeutic peptides. A few

months later, the compounds were found to be of little ther-

apeutic interest and the project was stopped. However, the

amount of knowledge acquired during the process was not

simply dumped; on the contrary, it became the start of a

new endeavour. In 1981, with some financial support from

Wallonia, and with the industrial expertise and research

know-how of the UCB Group, a new company was created:

UCB Bioproducts.

The company started by improving and exploiting technolo-

gy issued from the first project to produce custom peptides

for industrial purposes. Building its expertise at a steady

pace, it became the leader in the field of industrial peptide

synthesis year after year. Thanks to its internal research

and its close ties to university departments, it also offered

innovative products. Over the years the Braine site suc-

cessfully supported customers in a large number of proj-

ects in various stages of clinical development from preclini-

cal into commercial production. This contributed to the

commercialisation of numerous new drugs in Europe but

mainly in the US.

In March 2006, the entire division was sold to the Swiss

Lonza Group, who has taken over the general management

and brought in a solid engineering and manufacturing

expertise as well as upgraded the health, safety and envi-

ronmental policies on site. It also significantly increased

the production teams in order to cope with the increasing

number of projects. With around 350 employees, Lonza

Braine is a leader in the field of industrial pharmaceutical

peptides and currently world-wide a majority supplier of

peptides for commercial new drugs.

The acquisition of the bioproducts and biopharmaceuticals

companies of Cambrex in 2007 solidified Lonza’s presence

in the life science market. One of the acquired companies

is located in Verviers. Lonza Verviers (formerly Cambrex

BioSciences) produces and distributes molecular and cellu-

lar biology products for the European life-science market,

for both fundamental research and industrial production.

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KitozymeKitozyme is manufacturing innovative ingredients from vege-

tal renewable sources, targeting four key markets with

KiOsmetine™ (skin and personal care - international distri-

bution network on 15 countries), KiOmedine™ (medical

devices & advanced drug delivery systems), KiOnutrime™

(global health, well-being, weight management and choles-

terol control) and KiOfine™ (clarification & detoxification for

beverage).

With a new 4000m² production area, Kitozyme produces its

high-added-value ingredients in compliance with ISO and

HACCP requirements; a specific cGMP unit is dedicated to

the medical production (150m²). Besides, Kitozyme propos-

es services and ideas to trigger innovation. Kitozyme offers

creative solutions for health and beauty, backed by clinical

studies and an international network of academic and

industrial partners.

T I S S U E E N G I N E E R I N G

Tissue engineering and cell therapy deal with biological

substitutes for the restoration or replacement of tissue or

organ function (also called regenerative medicine) based

on the application of stem cells and other cell therapies as

well as on novel biomaterials or growth factors.

Recently, Wallonia has experienced a proliferation of spe-

cialized firms in cell therapy, namely e.g. Cardio³

BioSciences, Promethera Biosciences and Bone Therapeutics.

Cardio³ BioSciences is developing an optimal cell transplant

solution for curing cardiovascular diseases and, in particu-

lar, heart failure.

Promethera Biosciences is an emergent biotechnology com-

pany (derives from a research laboratory of the University

of Louvain) which is specialized in cell therapy for the treat-

ment of metabolic deficiencies and liver’s functional insuffi-

ciency (inefficiency).

Bone Therapeutics, a spin-off from the University of Brussels,

is a bone cell therapy company. The company develops

autologous cell therapy products for the repair and regen-

eration of bone tissues, utilizing the company’s proprietary

technology platform.

PHOTO: Langerhans islets in vitro (Laboratoire de Biologie cellulaire, UCL)

PHOTO: GIGA, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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S E R V I C E A N D T E C H N O L O G YP R O V I D E R S

22

The life science industry is growing at a steady pace. In the

early days, companies had to follow various research paths

and explore new technical fields. Nowadays, they have

gathered enough expertise to choose their strategies more

selectively and to focus on core competencies. This leaves

the door open to newcomers to continue to exploit what is

considered non-core to the former. Opportunities arise cre-

ating new sub-sectors:

“Drug discovery services” help discover new agents by

exploiting specific technologies, namely, genomics, pro-

teomics, pharmacogenomics, functional genomics, and so

forth.

“Bioinformatics” bring new software and additional compu-

tational power to handle and analyze the considerable data

generated by genomics and proteomics.

“Contract manufacturing” extends the production capacity

required to manufacture the hundreds of new biopharma-

ceuticals arriving on the market.

Table 8

Service and technology providers

Arlenda Bioinformatics

BioPharma Contract services

BioXpr Bioinformatics

Delphi Genetics Molecular cloning and DNA engineering

Dyax Europe Phage display based drugs

Eurogentec Contract research and production

Euroscreen Ligands and new drugs interacting withmembrane receptors

Henogen Contract research and production

Lambda-Plus Bioinformatics

Progenosis Contract research

Quality Assistance Contract research

SGS Life Sciences Contract research

Telemis Bioinformatics

PHOTO: Mycothèque, UCL

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D R U G D I S C O V E R Y S E R V I C E S

Dyax EuropeDyax is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the dis-

covery, development and commercialization of antibodies,

small proteins and peptides as therapeutic products for

medical needs that have not yet been met, particularly in

the areas of inflammation and oncology. The company is

located in Cambridge, USA, and operates its European

subsidiary in Liege, known as Dyax Europe.

Dyax uses a patented phage display technology to identify

a broad range of small protein, peptide, and antibody com-

pounds that can be used as therapeutics. The company

currently has two recombinant proteins in clinical trials: car-

diopulmonary bypass (phase II) and hereditary angioede-

ma (phase III), while DX-2400 is being studied in oncology.

EuroscreenEuroscreen is a privately held preclinical-stage biopharma-

ceutical company focused on the discovery and develop-

ment of small molecule drugs for unmet medical needs.

Founded in 1994, as a spin-off of the “Université Libre de

Bruxelles”, initially developing and commercializing G

Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCR) reagents, Euroscreen is

now developing a pipeline of preclinical candidates target-

ing proprietary GPCR, such as CCR5, as well as several

preclinical-stage collaborations with partners, using its

worldwide recognized expertise on this critical class of

drug targets.

It pursues a dual business model strategy of combining its

internal programs on high value targets (Euroscreen Drug

Discovery) with its fully dedicated business unit

(Euroscreen Fast) providing GPCR customized screening

and other services for biotech and pharmaceutical compa-

nies around the world.

The company has also developed a broad target portfolio

for licensing intellectual property rights to pharmaceutical

companies for the development of therapeutic drugs that

act through these targets, including CCR5, Chemerin

receptor, GPR43, GPR7/8, ORL1-R, FPRL2, purinergic

receptors (P2Y4, P2Y11 and P2Y13) and SHIP2.

Euroscreen has discovery and licensing partnerships with

Alchemia, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cephalon,

GNF, Grunenthal, HGS, ICOS owned by Lilly, Medarex,

Novartis and Pfizer.

B I O I N F O R M A T I C S

With the publication of the first complete genome sequence

in early 2001, genomics and proteomics are at the forefront

of biotech news. The massive amount of data now available

can only be exploited with the fastest computers and most

sophisticated software. Computers and processors contin-

ue to grow according to Moore’s law, doubling speed and

performance every 18 months. Software is another matter…

Bioinformatics aim at analyzing this mass of new data and

providing adequate solutions. University labs, especially

those in Liege and Gembloux, as well as in Namur and

Louvain-la-Neuve, play a leading role in this field.

PHOTO: CART, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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Lambda-Plus is one of the very few European companies to

provide worldwide services of expertise in cutting-edge

computing skills plus a background in CRO, a vast set of

Electronic Data Capture (EDC) solutions and innovative

technological solutions associated with customized servic-

es to meet each and every client’s specific needs.

Lambda-Plus offers a wide range of solutions to computer-

ize the data collection process usually carried out through

a conventional paper approach: EDC using PC, PDA/tablet

PC or a scanning technology.

Telemis is a spin-off of the University of Louvain and is

active in multimedia technological solutions based on three

core competencies: transmission, image and security.

These “high-tech” products find specific applications in

various fields including medicine and pharmacy.

BioXpr is a Belgian company providing products and servic-

es in the field of bioinformatics. BioXpr proposes cutting-

edge IT expertise in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics,

in customized biological database set-up, and in the

design of advanced analysis software and algorithms

(including interface/analysis software for new lab devices

and instrumentation). Thanks to its proprietary software

technology, BioXpr can produce advanced custom soft-

ware tools in using minimal time and resources. BioXpr also

offers its own software packages for probes/primers/SiRNA

design, pathway inference and dynamic visualization of

metabolic pathways and software for QC/QA in GMP pro-

duction. BioXpr has ongoing longstanding contract servic-

es running with top pharmas and biotechs/technology

providers in Europe.”

Arlenda develops, validates and commercializes an integrat-

ed suite of SAS statistical solutions dedicated to the life

cycle of analytical methods, from the optimization to the

routine analysis while being compliant with regulatory docu-

ments.

Its expertise covers the following fields of activity: validated

solutions using SAS for the validation of analytical methods

(e-noval, Seelva, Transval), specific developments of SAS

applications, and their validation, and trainings in validation

and statistics.

C O N T R A C T M A N U F A C T U R I N GA N D R E S E A R C H

HenogenHenogen is a multipurpose biopharmaceutical company

addressing biomanufacturing issues under the general

umbrella “From Gene to Clinical Product”.

This company has an extensive knowledge in performing

PHOTO: CART, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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and/or accompanying partners through the R&D, process

development, cGMP production of clinical grade materials

up to phase III trials. It has a formal approval by Health

Authorities. Henogen firm counts more than 110 employees

and holds 3 sites in the South of Brussels (Belgium).

The company is specialized in the production with any kind

of expression tool (E. coli, yeast, L. lactis, insect and mam-

malian cells as well as viral vectors). It is distinguished by a

cell culture on microcarriers, in batch mode or with high

cell density perfused suspension technologies. Recently,

Henogen has earned several prizes and was elected as an

Elite European Company (critical/comparative study of

Biotech companies, EuropaBio 2006).

Henogen has also his proprietary platform with a portfolio

of 4 projects (1 in phase III and 3 in phases I/II) focused on

clinical development of orphan drugs with unmet medical

needs (therapeutic focus: transplantation, inflammation,

haemostasis, immune modulation, …).

Quality AssistanceFounded in 1982, Quality Assistance is a leading European

Contract Research Organisation assisting pharmaceutical

and biotechnology companies with the development and

optimisation of their products. It provides a comprehensive

range of services compliant with the highest quality stan-

dards required by the EMEA and the FDA.

Delphi GeneticsDelphi Genetics, a University of Brussels spin-off founded in

November 2001, develops services and products in the

field of DNA engineering. Its first product line, the “Staby

Express” kits, increases the yield of protein production

using E. coli. These products are distributed by Cosmo-bio

in Asia and Eurogentec in Europe.

The products developed by Delphi Genetics are based on

the use of unique technologies using bacterial poison-anti-

dote genes.

Delphi Genetics has also built up a network of research col-

laboration with other companies for the development of

new approaches in DNA engineering.

The company is also involved in a research consortium

aimed at accelerating the design of laboratory animal mod-

els; this research program has received the “Eureka”

European label. Delphi Genetics intends to develop new

vector tools allowing a better approach for the construction

of vectors and tools for genome engineering.

ProgenosisProGenosis is a biotechnology company dedicated to the

determination of protein interactions with a primary focus

on receptor-ligand interactions. The proprietary technology

platform is geared to developing efficient, innovative and

convenient Bifunctional Hybrid Proteins (BHPs), which can

be used for protein domain studies, monoclonal antibobies

development and “difficult to express” proteins

PHOTO: Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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For centuries, biological processes have been used to

transform natural raw material into food and other finished

products. Famous examples include beer, cheese, yogurt,

bread and wine, which all benefit from fermentation by

microorganisms. These “traditional biotech” products repre-

sent an important part of the food industry. Modern biotech-

nology introduces genetic engineering for the development

of new plant species and the improvement of existing

crops. This enables the production of non-allergenic foods

and cholesterol-free nutriments. New transgenic plants pro-

duce therapeutic proteins. Transformed seeds feature an

increased resistance to insects or a capacity to sustain

extreme climatic conditions. Modified animals show

improved resistance to deadly diseases. Cattle can be

genetically selected and bred to provide improved meat

quality, as well as to produce pharmaceuticals in their milk.

Occupying 55 % of the Belgian territory, Wallonia is rich in

farmland and forests. The people live close to nature and

learn from it. This helps to boost strong research in agricul-

tural and forest sciences.

Gembloux, Liege and Louvain-la-Neuve are renowned uni-

versity centers where top research programs are conduct-

ed. Close communication with the industry enables technol-

ogy to move from research labs to the market. The provin-

cial authorities also promote biotechnology research with

the “Centre d’Economie Rurale” (CER) in Marloie. The cen-

ter helps the agricultural communities with veterinary serv-

ices and top-class disease detection and diagnostics.

Moreover, this close-to-the-field expertise enables the CER

to become a provider of antibodies and biologicals for the

industry.

Sugar beet and chicory are widely cultivated in the region.

Local university laboratories are renowned for their

advanced research in development of plant quality and

yield improvement. The industry has taken advantage of

their expertise and developed genuine industrial processes

for its exploitation.

Cosucra Groupe Warcoing: From Chicory to InulineCosucra Groupe Warcoing, pioneer in the manufacturing of

chicory inulin and pea protein, believes that food products

have to be adapted to the nutritional needs and concerns

of every age group, using the appropriate dosage of health

promoting ingredients, and with the right communication.

Therefore Cosucra offers value adding technical, market-

ing, nutritional, regulatory and quality services to the food

industry.

GalacticGalactic develops original techniques to exploit and pro-

duce higher quality lactic acids from pure sugar with

nature-friendly processes. For example, the company has

developed a biodegradable polymer, the PolyLactic Acid

(PLA), which is a promising, substitute to traditional thermo-

plastics. With thousands of possible applications in the

industries of food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the lac-

tic acids potential of growth is enormous and will ensure

the future success of the company. Galactic is a living

proof that biotechnology can be helpful to the environment.

Other natural substances are also exploited by biotechnolo-

gy. Several companies play an active role in developing

new substances and additives for the food industry.

A G R I - F O O D

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As a majority shareholder, Finasucre provides strong finan-

cial support to Galactic. This helped the company to

become, in a short time, world leaders in the production of

lactic acid and lactates.

Beldem: Leader in food ingredients technologyBeldem is a subsidiary of the Puratos Group (5500 employ-

ees) founded in 1975. Its core activity is the production of

emulsifiers, and since 1994, it is involved in enzymes and

sourdough manufacturing. A new step forward into the

development of high value biotechnological products was

made at the end of 1999 with the building of a brand new

yeast plant. It has developed a strong expertise fermenta-

tion technology, downstream operations, screening in appli-

cations and formulation study.

Biopole: Specialist in enzyme purificationAnother active player in enzyme technology is Biopole,

which develops and commercialises innovative products

based on its expertise in human and animal secretory mol-

ecules. Biopole is considered as an expert in the produc-

tion of lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and colostrum. Based on

his scientific and technical knowledge, Biopole develop fin-

ished products under its brand name like bioXtra®, oral

care range, …

Belovo: Egg Science & TechnologyBelovo recently renamed BNLfood, has become a multina-

tional company led by originality, constant quality and high

technology. The companies of the Group have acquired a

solid international reputation for their range of highly func-

tional egg products, including egg powders, refined egg

ingredients (pharmaceutical grade lysozyme and avidin,

infant food grade egg yolk lecithin, phospholipids) and

healthy wild-type eggs and foods (ColumbusTM egg).

The company continues to invest in R&D programs in egg

science and technology. Working in a GMP environment,

the company is able to meet the strict requirements of the

food and pharmaceutical industries throughout the world.

A new state of the art phospholipids production unit is

being built on its site of Bastogne.

ProgenusBased on a technology platform of DNA and genetic infor-

mation analysis, Progenus is a company which today pro-

poses solutions to breeders, retail chains, meat processors

and consumers in need of a reliable system to ensure ani-

mal selection, animal and species identification and meat

products authenticity. By using DNA tests in animal breed-

ers, a Gene Marker Profile program is carried out in order

to select the best animals to improve milk or meat quality

and quantity. Likewise, species identification of meat prod-

ucts or animal identification from the farm to the consumer

is important for economic, religious and public health rea-

sons. Progenus has developed specific genomic DNA

probes that distinguish DNA samples of species such as

pigs, horses, sheep, cattle, fish

DNAVision AgriFoodDNAVision AgriFood arose in 2008 from the gathering of the

company DNAVision and the Food Department from the Vet

Faculty from ULg. Both organisations merged their activities

to share expertise and know-how in genetic and genomic

services under highest quality standard.

PHOTO: In vitro callus proliferation (Observatoire du Monde des Plantes, Ulg)

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Table 9

Companies in Agriculture and Food

Artechno Microbacteria and culture media

Avecon Environmental additives

Beldem Food additives and enzymes

Belovo (BNLFood) Egg derivates

Biochem Europe Enzyme purification and refining services

Bioplant in Vitro Plant breeding

Biopole Enzymes

Cosucra Groupe Warcoing Plant engineering

DNAVision Agrifood Food analysis

Enzybel Enzymes

Enzyme & Derivates Enzymes

Galactic Lactic acid and derivates

Horpi Systems Biological control products

KitoZyme Biopharmaceuticals, chitosanes derived ingredients

Phytesia Plant breeding

Progenus Animal selection

Quality Partner Food analysis and cosmetics

THT Lactic bacteria and derivates

Viridaxis Biological control products

PHOTO: Auxine induced tomato root (Observatoire du Monde des Plantes, Ulg)

DNAVision AgriFood provides genetic tests to guarantee

food quality and safety, to identify genetic traits in animals

and plants, and to detect and genotype bacteria, yeasts

and viruses.

By its scientific expertise and its state-of-the-art instrumen-

tation, DNAVision AgriFood also provides reliable outsourc-

ing solutions as Contract Research Laboratory in the frame

of large R&D projects or upon targeted request.

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E N V I R O N M E N T

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Our planet deserves to be protected from pollution or per-

haps even restored to its “natural” condition wherever pos-

sible. Biotechnology can help reach this ambitious and

noble goal.

Indeed, “Environmental Biotechnology” can be defined as

the use of microorganisms, in particular bacteria and fungi,

to restore and eventually improve the quality of the environ-

ment.

Bioremediation, for example, uses microorganisms to

restore soil to its previous state or to cleanse water of differ-

ent types of pollutants. This is more than wishful thinking as

the worldwide market for bioremediation of organics and

metal contamination of groundwater has been estimated to

reach € 1 billion per year.

Each university in Wallonia would like to play its role in

helping to improve well-being and keep the region “clean”.

Therefore specific research departments conduct

“Earthfriendly” research programs. Moreover, universities

and companies can use the services of the Library of

Mycology of the University of Louvain, the fourth world col-

lection of fungi with 26,000 species. This led to the devel-

opment and use of bioremediation to recycle specific pollu-

tants.

RealcoFounded in 1968, Realco is now based in Louvain-la-Neuve.

By using enzymes and bacteria, Realco uses biotechnolo-

gy for cleaning and water purification. Their R&D efforts

represent more than 10% of their turnover and the compa-

ny conducts several ambitious research programs with uni-

versities of Louvain, Brussels and Liege. This has led to a

patent that demonstrates the importance of using enzymes

as early as possible in the purification of waste water.

BioremBiorem is a company engaged in the in-situ treatment of

soils and aquifers contaminated by various range of hydro-

carburs, PCB’s and chlorinated solvents. The concept of

Biorem is consisting on the gathering of all the different

functions involved in the sanitation treatment in one unique

unit, added to a proper bioremediation technology.

AgrostarFor the past twenty years, Agrostar has been producing

microorganisms for environmental use, known as biological

starters. In this way, Agrostar offers a truly integrated serv-

ice from applied research to the set up of practical meth-

ods of use from the development of specific breakdowns to

the industrial production in fermentor vessels,...

PHOTO: Mycothèque UCL

PHOTO: Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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Table 10

Companies active in the environment biotech field

Agrostar Biological starter enzymes

Biorem Bioremediation

EcoTerres Waste management

Envirotop Water and soil remediation

Realco Waste management solutions

Wetlands Engineering Waste treatment, enzymes

Wetlands EngineeringWetlands Engineering, a fast growing innovative start-up

involved in the production of fungal biomass and enzymes

(laccases) for bioremediation of aromatic compounds

(dyes, colored wastewater etc). In addition, the company

also produces hardware and software technology for bio-

process systems such as optical sensors, wastewater treat-

ment units, research compost pilot devices, and industrial

aerated composting technology. Services of in vitro toxicity

screening have also been launched and are particularly

competitive in the context of new compounds and waste

water treatment developments.

Wetlands Engineering is the SME leader of a European inte-

grated project of the Sixth Framework programme dealing

with the introduction of industrial biotechnology in the dye

and dying industry (www.sophied.net). This huge project

coordinates the R&D efforts of 26 partners in 10 countries

with a total budget up to € 10 million.

PHOTO: Mycothèque, UCL

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W A L L O N I A :

A R E G I O N F O R G R O W T H

A N D S U C C E S S

PHOTO: GIGA, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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If financial analysts were to rate Wallonia on the basis of

Fundamentals and Technical Analysis (TA), they would cer-

tainly refer to the region as a “Strong Buy”!

Fundamentals imply “Excellence” found in people and infra-

structure, whereas TA looks for strong support and

“Excellence in Incentives”.

Aware of the importance of knowledge-based innovation,

Wallonia has always promoted high quality education.

Indeed, it actually finances and hosts nine university cen-

ters and scores of research institutes that produce hun-

dreds of science graduates.

E X C E L L E N C E I N R E S E A R C H :T H E B I O T E C H N O P O L E S

31PHOTO: IBMM, ULB

Table 11

Students registered in Universities in 2007 (*)UCL ULg1 ULB FUNDP FUSAGx UMH Others2 Total

Science3 3.610 2.891 3.352 1.103 1.008 643 931 13.538

Medical 4.046 4.284 3.119 1.237 _ 402 - 13.088sciences4

Total 7.656 7.175 6.471 2.340 1.008 1.045 931 26.626

(*) abbreviations are explained in the table at the end of the brochure

1 Including FUL (Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise)2 Others include FPMs, FUSL and FUCaM3 Applied sciences, agricultural sciences and plant engineering4 Medicine, dental & veterinary sciences, pharmacy and physical training sciences

Source: Cref 2007

The breakdown of students registered in major universities

in 2007, in life and medical sciences, is given in Table 11.

This high concentration of “brains” constitutes a reservoir

of talented and well-educated scientists.

Biotechnology is among the fastest growing fields and

expertise ranges from plant engineering to the latest

genomics and proteomics technologies.

A strong will of academics to increase the value of

research led to nurturing “excellence” in relations with the

industry.

This further stimulates the companies that are the region’s

driving force: GSK Biologicals, UCB, Eurogentec, Baxter

Healthcare, Cosucra, Beldem and many others are paving

the way to success.

Located in the centre of Western Europe, Wallonia is ideally

positioned to address neighbouring markets as well as the

PHOTO: CART, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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rest of the world. The creation and extension of science

and business parks from Mons to Liege form a long

“Valley” stretching from the west to the east of Wallonia.

The high concentration of universities and large healthcare

companies has contributed to the creation of centers of

excellence in biotechnology: the “biotechnopoles”.

The Pole of Liege with Liege Science Park

The University of Liege (ULg) has a long and strong tradition

regarding collaborations with industries. Understanding that

innovation can come from all directions, the ULg has imple-

mented a policy of “crossborder” cooperation between dif-

ferent faculties and departments.

The first example is GIGA (“Groupe Interdisciplinaire de

Génoprotéomique Appliquée”).

Located within a building of the University Hospital, GIGA is

a unique structure composed of 4 axes:

■ The Centre of Biomedical Integrative Genoproteomics

(CBIG): a multidisciplinary research center counting 360

scientists of the ULg focusing on genoproteomic approach-

es of cancer and inflammation;

■ Core facilities in bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics,

transcriptomics, transgenics (mouse and zebrafish), and

protein production;

■ Laboratories and offices for biomedical businesses;

■ A training center in biotechnology dedicated to continu-

ing education for career development.

GIGA is financially supported by local, Wallonia and

European authorities. Through its wide range of skilled

expertise and know-how in the expanding field of functional

genoproteomics, GIGA acts as a hinge between university

research and biomedical companies. In addition, the

University of Liege coordinates since 2005 the Interreg III

ALMA-GRIDs project. Its main objective is to set up a virtu-

al laboratory allowing to multiple academic activities to

cooperate and also to offer a higher quality service to aca-

demic and business research. This project is combining the

scientific leading edge competencies of the four participat-

ing Genome Centers: GIGA (University of Liege), Molecular

Biotechnology Institute (RWTH Aachen), Genome Centre

Maastricht (University of Maastricht), CenStat Centre (LUC

Diepenbeek).

Moreover, ULg participates actively in the “Marshall Plan”,

particularly in the Wallonia Health cluster Biowin, via the

research projects KeyMarker, Cantol, Colvir, Neofor,

Oncomethylomic and the program NeoAngio. It participates

also in the Agro-industry cluster Wagralim through

Consalim, Polygal and Walnut-20 research projects.

The BioLiege association, playing a central networking role

in Wallonia biotechnology and numerous spin-offs offer an

extremely supportive environment around the ULg.

In addition to GIGA, ULg has large research centers,

among which the CRC (Research Centre of Cyclotron),

linked to MDS Nordion (Fleurus site) for production of FDG,

a radiopharmaceutical of great interest in cancerology, the

CIP (Centre for Protein Engineering) characterized by an

integrated and interdisciplinary approach defining the

structure of proteins and analyzing their properties, the

CNCM (Center for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology)

devoted to the study of the development and function of

the central and peripheral nervous system, the CART

(Analysis Center of Residues in Traces), recognized as the

national reference centre in dosage of dioxin and PCBs in

foodstuffs, the CEIB (Interfacultary Centre of Biomaterials),

implicated in a pluridisciplinary and integrated research

activity from the first draft leading to the design of a bioma-

terial to its final industrial application and the CRPP (Center

for Research on Proteins Prion).

Table 12

Science and Technology Parks containing most of the biotech companies in Wallonia

Location Name

Science Parks

Gembloux/Namur Crealys Science Park

Gosselies/Charleroi Aéropole

Liege Liege Science Park

Louvain-La-Neuve/Ottignies-LLN Louvain-La-Neuve Science Park

Mons Initialis Science Park

Technology ParksSeneffe Seneffe Technology Park

Ghislenghien Business Park Qualitis

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The Pole of Gosselies with Aeropole Science Park

From research to company via economic facilitators, the

Aeropole Science Park in Charleroi brings it together at its

biotechnology pole or “Biopole ULB-Charleroi”. A unique

structure in Wallonia, it has been supported by academic,

Wallonia and European financial commitments and is driven

by a common vision.

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) gathered in the Biopole

ULB-Charleroi most of its life sciences research activity:

Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine (IBMM) and Institute

of Medical Immunology (IMI).

Established at Charleroi since 1999, the IBMM is mainly

dedicated to teaching and academic research. This insti-

tute enjoys a high degree of international fame, and oper-

ates in most of the fields of biotechnology.

Born of an innovative partnership between the University of

Brussels and GSK Biologicals, with the support of Wallonia,

the IMI is active in several fields: development of new

immunotherapy strategies for transplant rejection, autoim-

mune diseases and allergies, definition of new vaccine

strategies applicable to the neonate, the development of

new tests evaluating vaccine efficiency and security.

BioVallee is an integrated collective research center dedi-

cated to research and development activities aiming at the

study of the immune response within the context of vacci-

nology, infectious diseases and autoimmunity, in close col-

laboration with the nearby university hospitals and with

GSK Biologicals.

A number of spin-off companies have already been estab-

lished in the Biopole, among which Aliwen, Bone

Therapeutics, BV Transgenic Services, Delphi Genetics,

DNAVision, Euroscreen, H-Phar and Henogen.

Biopole ULB-Charleroi works closely with its incubator com-

pany, Wallonia Biotech, to identify the needs of the new

spin-off biotech companies in the region and to offer its

services, either to develop new products or to improve their

production processes.

The Pole Gembloux – Namur with Crealys SciencePark

The University of Namur (FUNDP) comprises more than

4,000 students and enables close connections between

various departments, especially the faculties of medicine

and science and the computer sciences institute. This led

one of the laboratories to embark in PCR and DNA

research early. Professor Remacle created AAT in 1999

(now EAT) to tackle the need for advanced and affordable

microarrays.

BioXpr, founded in 2003, provides expert services in the

field of bioinformatics. More recently, in 2005, another

biotech company, Straticell was created, performing three-

dimensional skin culture modeling for in vitro toxicology and

toxicogenomics

The University of Gembloux (FUSAGx) is mostly dedicated to

agricultural food and forestry sciences. Its world reputation

attracts more than 250 students from abroad. With 1,000

students, it is one of the largest centers of excellence in

this field in Europe. The FUSAGx is collaborating with the

ULg in the “Centre Wallon des Bio-Industries” (CWBI), which

exploits microbiological diversity to develop genuine indus-

trial processes. As a result, several companies were creat-

ed, namely, Agrostar, THT, Artechno, Avecon (with the

University of Ghent-RUG), Biotreatment and Microbelcaps.

More recently, several spin-off companies were developed.

These companies are Progenus which developed a gene-

based diagnostic tool to evaluate the milk production ability

of cattle, and Bionext which developed biopesticides (strain

of yeast) that are efficient against post-harvest diseases on

apples and pears.

Midway between Namur and Gembloux, the FUNDP and

the FUSAGX contributed to the creation of the Crealys

Science Park. Crealys covers an area of more than one

square kilometer with 67 % of the park already occupied by

high-tech companies; among them, biotechnology is repre-

sented on Crealys by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Aseptic

Technologies, Coris BioConcept, Straticell, Cardiatis, Biopole,

THT, Artechno, Labo’Life Belgium, Pharma Manufacturing and

Lambda-Plus amongst others.

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The Pole of Louvain-la Neuve with Louvain-La-NeuveScience Park

Many research projects in biotechnology are carried out at

the University of Louvain (UCL), both in Louvain-la-Neuve and

on its biomedical campus in Brussels.

In Louvain-la-Neuve, the Institut des Sciences de la Vie (ISV)

brings together 24 research groups from different faculties

and departments. All these groups, involved in basic and

applied projects, are using molecular and cell biology

approaches to investigate the functioning of the living

world, from the molecule to the whole organism.

The Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology (ICP)

pursues investigations in a great variety of fields. This

diversity generates particularly fruitful exchanges that are

made possible, beyond the differences among subjects, by

the common concepts and methods characteristic of mod-

ern biology.

ICP also houses the Belgian branch of the Ludwig Institute

for Cancer Research, active in the field of cancer immunol-

ogy and cancer genetics.

The University of Louvain (UCL) has always maintained and

continues to develop a strong relationship with the industry

as demonstrated by the success of their 2.25 km² Louvain-

la-Neuve Science Park.

More than 135 high-tech companies employ 4,450 people

in R&D and production. The field of life sciences is repre-

sented by such well-known names as Ion Beam Application

(IBA), Abbott, Ajinomoto Omnichem, Pfizer Animal Health,

Daiichi Sankyo and Wyeth. Additional successful start-ups

are located on the science park including Aepodia, Wetlands

Engineering and Realco. Recently, Bayer CropScience selected

Louvain-La-Neuve Science Park for its R&D and testing

team

IBA: a growing leaderIn 1986, Ion Beam Application (IBA) began as a spin-off of the

UCL Cyclotron Research Centre and has grown to become

world leader in cyclotrons and proton therapy. In 2006, its

annual turnover was € 198.7 million. More than 1500

employees work in 49 locations in 12 countries around the

world. IBA has been listed on the EuroNext stock exchange

since 1998 and is a component of the Bel-20 index. It still

works in close cooperation with the UCL and also acts as a

key supplier of cyclotrons to International Brachytherapy (IBt),

a world leader in radioactive implants for the treatment of

prostate cancer.

In addition, IBA is expanding its PET Radiopharmaceuticals

& Isotopes network by the company’s purchase of Schering

AG’s European FDG and CIS bio international radiopharma-

ceutical business.

PHOTO: Mycothèque, UCL

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Wallonia features a biotechnology sector in which the quali-

ty of the scientists and the financial incentives are very

attractive.

Innovation comes through renewed commitment and

actions in research.

The universities often generate cutting-edge ideas, which

find fertile ground in the new start-up companies.

So when Wallonia government put biotechnology at the top

of its priority list, it was not just on paper, it also meant that

real funds were made available to start companies, to

finance innovative research and to develop promotional

tactics and strong international partnerships. In this per-

spective, the “Marshall Plan”, which was launched in 2006

with the objective of promoting business activity, is particu-

larly focused on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology

sectors. (for more details, see part 3.3. Incentive in coach-

ing and networking).

Thus the money is there, and even more - the people to

help you in your project evaluation, in your international

expansion and in your search for global partners. Wallonia

entrepreneurs have always looked beyond the country’s

frontiers to export their innovative products and advanced

technology.

The export-oriented culture and a central location in Europe

are clear advantages for any company based in the region.

The two Wallonia government agencies in conjunction with

a strong financial arm (the SRIW) work in synergy to actively

increase the odds of success of any new venture: the

Directorate General of Technology, Research and Energy

(DGTRE) and the Wallonia Export and Foreign Investment

Agency (AWEX).

Evaluating and funding scientific projects is the task of the

DGTRE. Companies can ask the DGTRE to share the risk of

investing in innovative research and development.

The experienced staff at the DGTRE has designed a com-

prehensive series of financial incentives and subsidies to

meet the needs of companies from start-ups to established

enterprises. This is a real engine of growth for the sector in

Wallonia and a strong stimulant for companies to exploit

research results.

E X C E L L E N C E I N I N C E N T I V E S

32

“Science and knowledge are like a beautiful engine, but money is like the fuel to get it running!”

PHOTO: Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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The first set of incentives is managed by a team dedicated

to exploiting results from research programs within universi-

ties and enterprises. The most popular is the “recoverable

advance”, an interest-free loan that covers up to 70% of

applied or development research expenditure. It is reim-

bursable as an annual fee representing a percentage of

product sales. Other possibilities include grants for feasibil-

ity studies and technology transfer.

Another department in the DGTRE is more focused on aca-

demic applied research. Their series of subsidies usually

covers research expenses including 100% of the salary of

researchers in universities or young start-ups. It aims at

increasing the scientific potential within the laboratories and

capitalises on it by transferring it into industry.

The DGTRE team closely monitors the rapid advances and

common changes in biotechnology. Consequently, it regu-

larly tailors funding “programmes” that meet the needs of

the pioneers in special domains. This enables early entry

into the latest technology fields.

“Waleo 2” is the latest campaign that covers the recent

advances in technologies that directly benefit human medi-

cine. The total budget devoted to this campaign was € 31

million. A new one is planned for 2008.

The DGTRE has co-financed two programs of academic

excellence, whose aim is to cover the whole innovation

process: from the scientific research to the industrial appli-

cation of the research results. The two programs concen-

trate resources for five years in the field of therapeutic tar-

gets and neoangiogenesis.

Therefore, for Wallonia, the challenge is to mobilize its

resources and that of the university around a specific the-

matic in which the university excels.

The total amount spent by Wallonia to sponsor research

and development in biotechnology has been consistently

rising over the past years as shown in the table 13.

Through the Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency

(AWEX), regional authorities offer strong support for interna-

tional expansion of Wallonia-based companies. The Agency

provides a wide range of financial incentives designed to

promote exports and international joint ventures while offer-

ing to exporting companies a program of trade actions

worldwide with the support of its international trade offices.

As a foreign investment agency, AWEX has the general

responsibility of attracting foreign investment to Wallonia.

This includes seeking out and providing information to

potential foreign investors. The Agency also offers a pro-

active follow-up service to investors already established in

Wallonia.

Created in 1979, SRIW and its subsidiaries together form

the SRIW Group, the mission of which is to provide long-term

financing to companies in Belgium and abroad, with the

objective of promoting either directly or indirectly the eco-

nomic development of Wallonia.

They participate in projects for redeployment, moderniza-

tion or growth of the companies concerned.

The financial resources which the SRIW group brings to its

partners are attributable to activities which are principally

directed towards the long term.

The flexibility of the SRIW enables it to adapt to individual

cases. Each project is specifically studied and the most

appropriate solution is applied; the solutions include direct

equity participations, convertible or non-convertible loans,

subordinated or senior loan, warrants, and so forth. This

contrasts with the conventional, short-term financing cov-

ered by traditional bankers.

Table 13

Wallonia Region support in biotech and life sciences applied

research (in € million)

Year Entreprises Universities Total

2002 7.2 30.1 37.3

2003 9.4 14.3 23.7

2004 14.2 19.4 33.6

2005 26.7 3.2 29.9

2006 * 17.6 43.6 61.2

2007 * 31.3 16.2 47.5

* including “competitiveness Hubs” support

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Since 2000, SRIW, Technowal and its subsidiaries have

invested in 28 companies from the life sciences sector,

among which: Aseptic Technologies, Biocode Hycel, Biopole,

Biotechtools, BioXpr, BioXtract, Cardio3 Biosciences, Eurogentec,

Henogen, Horpi Systems, H-Phar, IBt, Kitozyme, OncoMethylome

Sciences, Probiox, Quality Assistance, Unibioscreen, Tigenix

and Zentech, for a total investment of nearly € 53 million.

Besides its traditional core activities, the SRIW:

■ has participated in the creation of several VC funds, i.e.

Start-It, dedicated to investment in start-up companies in

the biotech and high tech sectors, E-Capital targeted at fast-

growing companies and some university funds,

■ has expanded outside the country’s boundaries through

the creation of Cossom, a subsidiary handling foreign inter-

national investments,

■ works actively in cooperation with the eight local provin-

cial investment companies providing early stage financing

and with university funds for seed capital,

■ networks regularly with venture capital and private equity

funds to grant substantial financing rounds and to secure

sequential investments for rapidly growing companies.

With the DGTRE in charge of research and scientific

aspects and the SRIW managing investments, Wallonia

offers an efficient combination of support and stimulus to

the biotechnology community.

To obtain its required funding, the biotechnology sector in

Wallonia can also count on an active and rapidly growing

pool of private venture capitalists and private equity funds

and on strong university support.

Venture capital funding is available from private funds that

help start-up companies to raise seed, early stage or fol-

low-up capital. Specialized venture capital funds such as

Mara Ventures or private equity funds from large institutional

investors (ING Private Equity, Fortis Private Equity, KBC

Investco, Dexia Ventures…) support Wallonia biotechnology

companies through equity or mezzanine financing. In addi-

tion, these investors participate in mixed funds together

with universities and local and regional investment compa-

nies.

Other hands, the universities themselves provide their own

specific funds.

The University of Louvain set up Sopartec, a seed capital

and technology transfer company and virtual incubator. It

played a key role in the development of the listed compa-

nies Ion Beam Applications (IBA) and International

BrachyTherapy (IBt). It also manages the Vives fund, created

with public and institutional investors to provide early stage

financing for high technology companies.

The University of Liege, in cooperation with the local invest-

ment company, MeusInvest, created Spinventure to finance

stages preceding the establishment of new start-ups, such

as feasibility and market studies, as well as studies on

industrialization and commercialization. In its second stage,

it also offers seed capital.

In recent years, the University of Brussels has created the

Theodorus fund to provide seed financing to the spin-offs

issued from academic research of the institution. Similarly,

the University of Mons and the Polytechnic Faculty of Mons

have jointly created the IMBC-Spinnova fund, and the

University of Gembloux has created Gembloux Valorisation

for the same purposes.

As universities keep on considering the importance of capi-

talizing on research conducted within their labs, the cur-

rently remarkable rate of creation of spin-offs is expected to

be sustained the coming years.

Table 14

The local public investment companies

Province Investment company

Hainaut Western part HoccInvest

Hainaut Southern part SambreInvest

Hainaut Central & Eastern part Invest Borinage Centre

Luxembourg InvestSud

Liege MeusInvest

Namur NamurInvest

Brabant Wallon NivelInvest

Liege German Community OstBelgienInvest

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33

A new voluntarist industrial policyIn 2005, the Walloon Government decided to boost the

economic re-launch of the Region through an ambitious

plan, called “Marshall Plan for Wallonia”. With a budget of

€ 1 billion over four years, the “Marshall Plan” has been

designed as a regional research financial assistance tool

bringing together all the research and innovation stakehold-

ers from industrial sectors that are of key importance for the

Region and are likely to lead to economic exploitation in

due course.

Within the framework of “Marshall Plan”, Wallonia has initiat-

ed a Competitiveness Hubs policy, which aims at developing

leading sectors of activity for the Region so as they can

reach a level of excellence generating a new move for

growth.

Five Competitiveness Hubs have been identified; two of

them are related to biotechnology: Biowin (life sciences)

and Wagralim (agri-business).

■ Biowin

BioWin (which stands for “BIOtechnologies Wallonia

Innovation”) is the health competitiveness hub of Wallonia.

It focuses its activities in the fields of life sciences and

human health. Its ambition is to promote collaborations

between all Wallonia stakeholders involved in innovation

and training activities in the sector. Its objectives are:

■ To become within the next ten years a worldwide leader

in three target sectors : cancer, inflammation and brain dis-

eases ;

■ To encourage the creation of a new culture of openness

and favourable partnerships for innovation in Wallonia ;

■ To train, attract and keep excellent human resources in

Wallonia.

BioWin aims to achieve those goals by promoting partner-

ships between academic and industrial actors in the health

field.

A first call for projects was launched in 2006: “KeyMarker”,

a pilot project aiming at identifying new types of biomarkers

and tracers for molecular imaging. KeyMarker is a large

consolidating consortium which is composed of no less

than 19 Walloon partners (6 from the private sector and 13

from the academic laboratories), all experts in their fields.

This pilot project is coordinated by Eppendorf Array

Technologies.

Beside the ongoing KeyMarker project, BioWin has

launched a second call for projects in 2007. After a selec-

tion made by international experts coming from universities

and industries, five projects were validated and awarded

grants by the Walloon Region for a total budget of € 20.5

million: “Cantol”, aiming at the development and the valida-

tion of new molecules restoring the immune system’s

response to cancerous cells (coordinated by Euroscreen);

“Colvir”, aiming at the development and validation of a

treatment to fight the cervix cancer resulting from human

papillomavirus infection (coordinated by Mithra); “Hope 4

PD”, bringing to the fore new targets’ potential in the treat-

ment of the Parkinson’s disease (coordinated by

Euroscreen); “Neofor”, creating a technological platform for

administration of medicine byway of pulmonary veins (coor-

dinated by UCB); “Oncomethylomic”, creating new tools for

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the cancer diagnosis and optimization of anticarcinogenic

treatment (coordinated by OncoMethylome Sciences).

These new innovating projects involve around 40 Walloon

partners including industrial firms (large companies and

SMEs), universities and research centres.

The third call for projects has been launched in 2008 for

new R&D projects, as been proposed to the decision of the

government of Wallonia.

■ Wagralim

Wagralim is the competitiveness hub dedicated to agri-busi-

ness. Its ambition is to promote collaborations between all

Wallonia stakeholders involved in innovation and training

activities in the agri-business sector.

Six R&D projects have already been approved, for a total

budget of € 25.8 million:

“Walnut-20”, for the development of ingredients meeting the

nutritional and health most advanced allegations (coor-

dinated by Spa Water); “Consalim”, for the increased validi-

ty of food; “Biowal”, about the development of poly-lactate

plastics for the bio-packaging of food; “Fibersol”, offering

added nutritional value to hemi-cellulose elements of cere-

als; “Proflax”, improving the flax seed components values,

and “Polygal”, optimising the validity of food by natural pre-

servative agents.

ARESA : A Cluster of Clinical ResearchARESA is a non-profit organization, clustering more than

ninety companies active in clinical and pharmaceutical

research in Wallonia.

Its main objectives are to increase the level of quality of the

clinical research in the Region, to be the communication

crossroad between its members and the marketplace and

to offer a total solution to the clinical trial requests coming

from the biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Since 2003 ARESA is financially supported by the Wallonia

Region as the cluster of clinical research. ARESA regroups

more than ninety companies covering all the aspects and

needs of Phase I to Phase IV trials.

Wallonia Biotech Coaching (WBC)WBC is the bio-incubator of Wallonia. Its mission is to stimu-

late the creation and the maturation of biotech spin-offs,

start-ups, spin-outs and subsidiaries based on R&D activi-

ties performed in academic institutions and industrial com-

panies as well as through co-incubation partnerships.

Using financial, commercial and managerial resources,

WBC aims to create value by enhancing the convergence

of scientists, entrepreneurs and investors toward the expan-

sion of a sustainable biotech industry in Wallonia.

PHOTO: CRC, Tilt photographie/ULg/DR

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T I M E T O H A R V E S T

With excellence in human resources and research, and financial incentives and grants, Wallonia has entered the third

millennium with a decisive commitment to support a knowledge-based economy.

Biotechnology strongly remains at the top of the region’s priority list. The sector continues to boom and opportunities arise to

exploit the fantastic results from the research laboratories based in the universities. Entrepreneurs have found regional

authorities and local industry to be extremely helpful in setting up a base to start their activity. Consequently many compa-

nies have found a fertile environment for rapid expansion and ambitious new development programs.

Wallonia has proven its ability to exploit the best opportunities and fruits arising from its innovative research. Indeed, the

impressive progression of the number of enterprises active in the biotechnology sector, from 55 in 2001 to 76 in 2006, helps

the region place itself in the top ranks in Europe.

Wallonia can create wealth. This strategy of stimulating the sector increases the region’s wealth as shown by a “gross regio-

nal product” issued from the biotechnology activity that grew from € 1,994 million to € 2,451 million in a five year period.

Wallonia can create employment. Hard hit in the early 1970s, the region can reconstruct itself and thanks to its intelligent

investment in education, it brings highly educated and specialized youngsters to the workplace, giving them hope for the

future and real employment opportunities. Today, the biotech sector employs close to 8,000 scientists and technicians, up

from 5,000 five years ago (large and entrepreneurial companies together).

Recent years have shown the great potential and richness in the region.

Wallonia has become a master of creation, innovation and knowledge.

The region is proving its ability to turn promises into successes.

We invite you to participate in this process of value creation.

We welcome you to join us and generate welfare together.

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41PHOTO: Mycothèque UCL

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Abbreviations

Terms

AIDS Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome

cGMP Current Good Manufacturing Practice

CMO Contract Manufacturing Organization

CRO Contract Research Organization

DNA DeoxyriboNucleic Acid

EDC Electronic Data Capture

ENT Ear, Nose and Throat

FDG Fluorodeoxyglucose

FP6 European Sixth Framework Program

GLP Good Laboratory Practices

GMP Good Manufacturing Practices

GPCR G-Protein Coupled Receptors

HBV Hepatitis B Virus

HIV Human Immune-Deficiency Virus

HPV Human Papilloma Virus

IVD In Vitro Diagnostic

HPLC High Performance Liquid Chromatography

MSP Methylation Specific PCR

PCB’s Polychlorinated Biphenyls

PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction

PDA Personal Digital Assistant

PET Positron Emission Tomography

PLA Polylactic Acid

QC Quality Control

R&D Research and Development

RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus

SAS Statistical Analysis Software

TA Technical Analysis

TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

VC Venture Capitalist

Companies and institutions

AAT Advanced Array Technologies

AWEX Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency

CER Centre d’Economie rurale

CART Centre d’analyse des résidus en traces

CBIG Centre of Biomedical Integrative Genoproteomics

CEIB Centre Interfacultaire des Biomatériaux

CIP Centre for Protein Engineering

CRGB Research Center for the Management of Bio-industries

CRIV Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Vaccinologie

CRPP Centre de Recherche sur les Protéines Prion

CWBI Centre Wallon des Bio-Industries

U S E F U L I N F O R M A T I O N

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DGTRE General Directorate for Technology, Research and Energy

EAT Eppendorf Array Technology

EGT Eurogentec

FDA US Food and Drug Administration

GIGA Groupement Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée

GSK Biologicals GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals

IBA Ion Beam Application

IBt International BrachyTherapy

IBMM Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine

ICP Institute of Cellular Pathology

IMI Institute of Medical Immunology

ISV Institut des Sciences de la Vie

OMS OncoMethylome Sciences

PAHO Pan American Health Organization

RIT Recherche Industrie Thérapeutique

RWTH-Aachen Rheinisch-Westfälischen Technische Hochschule Aachen

SRIW Société Régionale d’Investissement de

Wallonie

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

WHO World Health Organization

Universities in Wallonia

FPMs Faculté Polytechnique de Mons

FUSL Facultés Universitaires Saint-Louis

FUCaM Facultés Universitaires Catholiques de Mons

FUSAGx Facultés Universitaires des Sciences Agronomiques de Gembloux

FUNDP Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix (Namur)

LUC Limburgs Universitair Centrum

RUG Universiteit Gent

UCL Université Catholique de Louvain-La-Neuve

ULg Université de Liege

ULB Université Libre de Bruxelles

UMH Université de Mons-Hainaut

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Main Addresses

Academic & research

BIOLIEGE ASBLPlace du 20 Août 7B-4000 Liègehttp://www.bioliege.ulg.ac.be+ 32 (0)4 366 52 27

BIOVALLEE ASBLRue des Professeurs Jeener etBrachet 12B-6041 Gosselieshttp://www.biovallee.be+32 (0)71 37 85 00

CER - Centre d’Economie RuraleRue du Carmel 1B-6900 Marloiehttp://www.province.luxembourg.be/agriculture/cer.html+32 (0)84 22 02 11

CWBI - Wallonia Centre ofIndustrial BiologyPassage des déportés 2B-5030 Gemblouxhttp://cwbi.fsagx.ac.be+32 (0)81 62 22 05

GIGA - Interdisciplinary Clusterfor Applied GenoproteomicsB23 Avenue de l’hôpital 3B-4000 Liègehttp://www.giga.be.ulg.ac.be+32 (0)4 366 43 94

IBMM - Institute of Biology ofMolecular Medicine Rue des Professeurs Jeener etBrachet 12B-6041 Gosselieshttp://www.ulb.ac.be/ibmm+32 (0)71 37 86 11

IMI - Institute of MedicalImmunology Rue A. Bolland 8B-6041 Gosselieshttp://www.ulb.ac.be/imi/homepage.html+32 (0)2 650 95 60

ISV – Institute of Life SciencesPlace Croix du Sud 5 (Box 15)B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuvehttp://www.uclouvain.be/en-isv.html+32 (0)10 47 36 21

FPMs - Faculté Polytechniquede MonsRue de l’Epargne 56B-7000 Monshttp://www.fpms.ac.be+32 (0)65 37 44 96

FUNDP - Facultés UniversitairesNotre-Dame de la PaixRue de Bruxelles 53B-5000 Namurhttp://www.fundp.ac.be+32 (0)81 72 50 32

FUSAGx - Faculté Universitairedes Sciences Agronomiquesde GemblouxPassage des déportés 2B-5030 Gemblouxhttp://www.fsagx.ac.be+32 (0)81 62 21 11

GEMBLOUX AGRICULTURALRESEARCH CENTRERue de Liroux 9B-5030 Gemblouxhttp://www.cra.wallonie.be+32 (0)81 62 65 55

UCL - Université Catholique deLouvainPlace de l’Université 1B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuvehttp://www.ucl.ac.be+32 (0)10 47 21 11

ULB - Université Libre deBruxellesAvenue F. D. Roosevelt 50 - CP 161B-1050 Brusselshttp://www.ulb.ac.be+32 (0)2 650 32 04

ULg - Université de LiegePlace du XX Août 9B-4000 Liègehttp://www.ulg.ac.be+32 (0)4 366 21 11

UMH - Université de Mons-HainautPlace du Parc 20B-7000 Monshttp://www.umh.ac.be/index.html+32 (0)65 37 30 01

Biopharmaceuticals

BAXTERBoulevard René Branquart 80B-7860 Lessineshttp://www.baxter.be+32 (0)68 27 22 11

DYAXBoulevard du Rectorat 27BSart Tilman, Building B22B-4000 Liègehttp://www.dyax.com+32 (0)4 364 24 00

GLAXOSMITHKLINE BIOLOGICALSRue de l’Institut 89B-1330 Rixensarthttp://www.gsk.com+32 (0)2 656 81 11

LUNG THERAPY SYSTEMSAvenue Pré-Aily 4B-4031 Angleur+32 (0)4 349 85 10

PFIZERRue Laid Burniat 1B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuvehttp://www.pfizer.be+32 (0)10 47 02 11

PHIBRO ANIMAL HEALTHRue de l’Institut 87 AB-1330 Rixensarthttp://www.phibroah.com+32 (0)2 655 08 21

UCBAllée de la Recherche 60B-1070 Brusselshttp://www.ucb-group.com+32 (0)2 559 99 99

Environment

AGROSTARRue Jean Nöel 25B-5000 Namurhttp://www.agrostar-sa.com+32 (0)81 40 88 83

ARTECHNORue François Bovesse 1B-5030 Gemblouxhttp://www.artechno.be+32 (0)81 60 19 43

BIOREMAllée du Château 13B-4121 Neuville-En-Condrozhttp://www.Biorem.be+ 32 (0)4 372 92 22

ECOTERRESAvenue Jean Mermoz 3CAéropoleB-6041 Gosselieshttp://www.ecoterres.be+32 (0)71 25 60 41

ENVIROTOPSur le Tiège 14B-4960 Malmédyhttp://www.envirotop.be+32 (0)80 57 11 29

REALCOParc Scientifique EinsteinAvenue Albert Einstein 15B-1348 Louvain La Neuvehttp://www.realco.be+32 (0)10 45 30 00

UNISENSORRue du Dossay 3B-4000 - Wandre Liègehttp://www.unisensor.be+32 (0)4 252 66 02

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WETLANDS ENGINEERINGRue du Laid Burniat 5B-1348 Louvain La Neuvehttp://www.wetlands.be+32 (0)10 86 15 25

Medical devices / diagnostics

ANALISZoning industriel RhisnesRue de Neverlee 11B-5020 Suarleehttp://www.analis.be+32 (0)81 25 50 50

BIOCODE HYCELRue Ernest Solvay 101-103B-4000 Liègehttp://www.biocode.be+32 (0)4 252 26 36

BIOSOURCE EUROPERue de l’Industrie 8B-1400 Nivellleshttp://www.biosource-diagnostics.com+32 (0)67 88 99 99

CORIS BIOCONCEPTParc Scientifique CrealysRue Jean Sonet 4 AB-5032 Gemblouxhttp://www.corisbio.com+32 (0)81 71 99 17

DIAGAMRue du Parc Industriel7822 Ghislenghienhttp://www.diagam.com+32 (0)68 55 14 82

DIAGENODEAvenue de l’Hôpital 1Tour GigaB-4000 Liègehttp://www.diagenode.be+32 (0)4 364 20 50

D-TEKRue Brisselot 11B-7000 Monshttp://www.d-tek.be+32 (0)65 84 18 88

EPPENDORF ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES (EAT)Rue du Séminaire 20AB-5000 Namurhttp://www.aat-array.com+32 (0)81 72 56 13

GAMMAParc Scientifique du Sart-TilmanRue des Chasseurs ArdennaisB-4031 Angleurhttp://www.gamma.be+32 (0)4 361 40 40

INTERNATIONAL BRACHYTHERAPYZone Industrielle CB-7180 Seneffehttp://www.ibt.be+32 (0)64 520 811

MDS NORDIONZoning IndustrielAvenue de l’EspéranceB-6220 Fleurushttp://www.mds.nordion.com+32 71 82 35 69

ONCOMETHYLONE SCIENCESTour GIGA 5Avenue de l’Hôpital 11B-4000 Liègehttp://www.oncomethylome.com+32(0)4 364 20 70

PROBIOXCampus Sart TilmanTour GIGA B 34B-4000 Liègehttp://www.probiox.com+32 (0)4 364 20 40

ZENTECHParc Scientifique Sart TilmanAvenue Pré Aily 10B-4031 Angleurhttp://www.zentech.be+32 (0)4 361 42 32

Tissue engineering

BONE THERAPEUTICSRue Adrienne Bolland 8B-6041 Gosselies+32 (0)473 59.35.60

CARDIO³ BIOSCIENCESParc de l’AllianceBoulevard de France 9B-1420 Braine - l’Alleudhttp://www.cardio3bio.com+32 (0)2 790 35 30

Novel food and ingredients

BELDEMZoning Industriel de SeillesRue Bourrie 12B-5300 Andennehttp://www.beldem.be+32 (0)85 82 32 50

BELOVO (BNLfood)Zoning Industriel 1Batiment 31B-6600 Bastognehttp://www.belovo.com+32 (0)61 24 05 40

BIOPOLERue Herman Meganck 21B-5032 Gembloux (Les Isnes)http://www.biopole.com/+32 (0) 81 72 34 60

COSUCRA Groupe WarcoingRue de la Sucrerie 1B-7740 Warcoinghttp://www.cosucra.com+32 (0)69 44 66 00

DNA VISION AGRIFOODBoulevard de Colonster 20 - B43bB- 4000 Liègehttp://www.dnavision.be+32 (0)4 366 40 17

ENZYBELRue de Waremme 116 BB-4530 Villers-Le-Bouillethttp://www.enzybel.be+32 (0)4 259 93 30

ENZYMES & DERIVATES BELGIUMParc ScientifiqueRue du Bosquet 7B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuve+32 (0)10 48 64 66

GALACTICCh. de St Job 12B-1180 Bruxelleshttp://www.lactic.com+32 (0)2 332 14 00

KITOZYMEParc industriel des hauts-sartsZone 2- Rue haute claire 4B-4040 Herstalhttp://www.kitozyme.com+32 (0)4 259 85 00

PROGENUSAvenue Maréchal Juin 13B-5030 Gemblouxhttp://www.progenus.be+32 (0)81 61 69 01

QUALITY PARTNERRue Hayeneux 62Boulevard de Colonster 20B-4040 Herstalhttp://www.quality-partner.be+32 (0)4 240 75 00

THTParc Scientifique CréalysRue Phocas Lejeune 30B-5032 Isneshttp://www.tht.be+32 (0)81 56 92 80

Plant breeding

BIOPLANT IN VITRORue Eysden Mines 43 AB-6698 Grand-Halleuxhttp://www.bioplant.be+32 (0)80 21 57 93

PHYTESIABoulevard du Rectorat 27 - B22B-4000 Liègehttp://www.phytesia.com+32 (0)4 366 39 06

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Services & Tech providers

AFFILANDRue de l’Yser 304B-4430 Liègehttp://www.affiland.com+32 (0)4 366 33 94

ARLENDAAvenue de l’hôpital 1 - B36B-4000 Liègehttp://www.arlenda.com+32 (0)4 366 43 97

BIOCHEM EUROPEBoulevard Initialis 5B-7000 Monshttp://www.biochem-europe.com+32 (0)65 40 16 76

BIOXPRCentre technologique FUNDPRue du séminaire 22B-5000 Namurhttp://www.bioxpr.be+32 (0)81 72 51 55

DELPHI GENETICSRue Clement Ader 16B-6041 Gosselieshttp://www.delphigenetics.com+32 (0)71 37 85 25

DNA VISIONAvenue George Lemaitre 25B-6041 Gosselieshttp://www.dnavision.be+32 (0)71 37 85 27

EUROGENTECParc Scientifique du Sart-TilmanRue du Bois Saint-Jean 5B-4102 Serainghttp://www.eurogentec.com+32 (0)4 366 61 00

EUROSCREENRoute de Lennik 802B-1070 Brusselshttp://www.euroscreen.be+32(0)2 529 00 10

HENOGENRue des Professeurs Jeener etBrachet 12B-6041 Gosselieswww.henogen.com+32(0)71 34 79 00

LAMBDA PLUSCréalys Scientic ParkRue Camille Hubert 5B-5032 Isneshttp://www.lambdaplus.com+32 (0)81 46 80 46

MICROBELCAPSSart-Tilman B40Bld du Rectorat 29B-4000 Liègehttp://www.microbelcaps.be+32 (0)4 366 28 61

SGS BIOPHARMAVieux Chemin du Poète 110B-1301 Wavrehttp://www.sgsbiopharma.com+32 (0)10 42 11 11

QUALITY ASSISTANCETechnoparc de Thudinie 1B-6536 Donstienneshttp://www.quality-assistance.com+32 (0)71 53 47 81

Research Biologicals

ACTIVE MOTIF EUROPEAvenue Franklin Roosevelt 104 - B25B-1330 Rixensarthttp://www.activemotif.com+32 (0)2 653 00 01

EUROGENTECRue du Bois Saint-Jean 5B-4102 Serainghttp://www.eurogentec.com+32 (0)4 3727400

LONZA BRAINEChaussée de Tubize 297B-1420 Braine-l’Alleudwww.lonza.com+32 (0)2 386 29 09

LONZA VERVIERS(CAMBREX BIO SCIENCE)Parc Industriel de Petit-RechainB-4800 Vervierswww.lonza.com+32 (0)87 32 16 11

PROGENOSISAvenue de l’Hôpital 11GIGA B34, Tour 5, niveau +3B- 4000 Liègehttp://www.progenosis.com+ 32 (0)4 361 33 29

Institutes and associations

ARESAAeropole de GosseliesRue Clément Ader 12B- 6041 Gosselieshttp://clusters.wallonie.be/rechercheclinique/en/+32 (0)71 37 06 11

ASE - Agence de StimulationEcomoniqueRue du Vertbois 13bB-4000 Liegehttp://www.as-e.be+32 (0)4 220 51 00

AST - Agence de StimulationTechnologiqueRue du Vertbois 13bB-4000 Liègehttp://ast.wallonie.be+32 (0)4 220 16 00

AWEX - Wallonia Foreign Tradeand Investment AgencyPlace Sainctelette 2B-1080 Brusselshttp://www.wallonia-international.behttp://www.investinwallonia.be+32 (0)2 421 82 11

Bio.be - Belgian BioindustriesIndustry OrganisationBld Reyers 80B-1030 Brusselshttp://www.bio.be+32 (0)2 238 98 47

BIOWINPoint CentreAvenue Georges Lemaître 19B-6041 Gosselieshttp://www.biowin.org+32 (0)71 376 63 86

DGTRE - Directorate General ofTechnologies, Research andEnergyAvenue Prince de Liège 7B-5100 Jambeshttp://recherche-technologie.wallonie.be+32 (0)81 33 50 50

SPI +Rue du Vertbois 11B-4000 Liègehttp://www.spi.be+32 (0)4 230 11 11

SRIWAvenue Destenay 13B-4000 Liègehttp://www.sriw.be+32 (0)4 221 98 11

WBC - Wallonia BiotechCoachingAvenue de l’Hopital 11 - CHU B34B- 4000 Liègehttp://www.biotechcoaching.com+32-(0)4 246 51 10

WAGRALIMRue Jean Sonet 23B -5032 Gembloux (Isnes)http://www.wagralim.be+32 (0)81 728 540

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INDEX

A

Affiland, 17, 45Agrostar, 25,28, 33, 44Analis, 17, 45ARESA, 39, 46Arlenda, 20, 22, 45Artechno, 26, 33, 44AWEX, 5, 8, 35, 36, 42, 46

B

Baxter, 9, 14, 31, 44Beldem, 25, 26, 31, 45Belovo, 25, 26, 45Biochem, 15, 26, 46Biocode, 15, 16, 17, 37, 45Biopharmaceuticals, 3, 12, 13, 18, 20, 26, 44Bioplant, 26, 45Biopole, 25, 26, 33, 37, 45Biorem, 9, 27, 28, 44Biosource, 16, 17, 45Biowin, 11, 13, 15, 32, 38, 46BioXpr, 20, 22, 33, 37, 46Bone Therapeutics, 11, 19, 33, 45Bruxelles, 21, 33, 43

C

Cambrex, 18, 46Cardiovascular 15, 16, 19, 21Cardio3, 19, 37, 45Coris, 16, 17, 33, 45Cosucra, 24, 26, 31, 45CWBI, 33, 42, 44

D

Delphi Genetics, 20, 23, 33, 46DGTRE, 5, 8, 15, 19, 35, 36, 37, 43, 46Diagam, 17, 45DNAVision, 11, 17, 33, 45DNAVision Agrifood, 25, 26D-Tek, 17, 45Dyax, 20, 21, 44

E

EcoTerres, 28, 44Environment, 5, 9, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,32, 40, 44Envirotop, 28, 44Enzybel, 26, 45Eppendorf, 14, 15, 17, 38, 43, 45Eurogentec, 9, 17, 20, 23, 31, 37, 43, 46Euroscreen, 20, 21, 33, 38, 46

F

FPMs, 31, 43, 44FUNDP, 33, 43, 44FUSAGx, 10, 31, 33, 43, 44

G

Galactic, 24, 25, 26, 45Gembloux, 7, 21, 24, 32, 33, 37, 43, 44GIGA, 32, 43, 44Gosselies, 13, 32, 33 GSK, 11, 13, 31, 33, 43, 44

H

Henogen, 20, 22, 33, 37, 46

I

IBA, 11, 34, 37, 43IBMM, 33, 43, 44IBt, 34, 37, 43IMI, 13, 33, 43ISV, 34, 43, 44

K

Kitozyme, 11, 19, 26, 37, 45

L

Lonza, 9, 18, 46Louvain, 7, 11, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 32, 34, 37, 43Liege, 7, 11, 16, 17, 21, 24, 27, 32, 37, 43Lung Therapy, 11, 44

M

MDS Nordion, 32, 45Microbelcaps, 33, 46Mons, 7, 32, 37, 43, 44

N

Namur, 7, 15, 21, 32, 33, 37, 43

O

OncoMethylome, 11, 16, 17, 37, 39, 43

P

Phytesia, 26, 45Plant breeding, 26, 45Probiox, 14, 15, 17, 37, 45Progenosis, 11, 20, 23, 46Progenus, 25, 26, 33, 45

Q

Quality Assistance, 20, 23, 37, 46Quality Partner, 26, 45

R

Realco, 27, 28, 34, 44

S

SRIW, 8, 35, 36, 37, 43, 46

T

Tissue engineering, 19, 45

U

UCB, 9, 11, 13, 14, 18, 31, 38, 44UCL, 11, 31, 34, 43, 44ULB, 31, 33, 43, 44ULg, 25, 31, 32, 33, 43, 44UMH, 31, 43, 44Unisensor, 17, 44

W

Wagralim, 11, 32, 38, 39, 46WBC, 39, 46Wetlands, 28, 34, 45

Z

Zentech, 11, 16, 17, 37, 45

D G T R E - D I R E C T O R A T E G E N E R A L O F T E C H N O L O G Y , R E S E A R C H & E N E R G Y

Ministry of Wallonia Region

Av. Prince de Liège, 7

B - 5100 Namur (Belgium)

Tel +32-81-33 50 50

Fax +32-81-30 66 00

http://recherche-technologie.wallonie.be

Copyright Wallonia Region – DGTRE

Brochure updated by the Centre PME,

INNOV & CIDE/PI² (HEC-ULg).

Design Geluck, Suykens & partners