Modex Therapeutics located in Lausanne, the Olympics capital, 30 minutes from Geneva, has just received a ‘reward’ of an advance of half a million Swiss Francs from Geneva’s Serono, the global biotechnology leader and world leader in reproductive health, in recognition of the start-up having achieved its objectives within one year. Modex is over the hoop with pleasure at the action of Serono, one of its closest partners. The success is a reflection of the growing importance of the Lake Geneva Region in the field of Life Sciences and biotech in particular.

Introduction of a new technology for protein expression

Modex announced the successful completion of its first research collaboration with Serono regarding the development of a novel technology in the field of protein expression. The technology enables cells to express proteins that are not directly expressed from their genome. Typical examples of these proteins are those resulting from proteolytic cleavage of the larger proteins.

"The project was completed within the 12 month agreed upon time frame primarily as a result of the expertise and efforts of our molecular group headed by Dr. Philippe Dupraz" said Jacques Essinger, Chief Executive Officer of Modex. "We look forward to working together with Serono to best harness this breakthrough capability within our dermatology focus area".

"This advancement may find particular applications in the research and development of proteins derived from proteomic analysis," commented Giampiero De Luca, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel of Serono. "This is a significant scientific achievement and we are delighted to now be positioned to exploit this technology for future product development opportunities."

As the concluding element of the collaboration agreement, Modex will receive CHF 500,000 as a success fee. Going forward, Serono will own the technology developed under the collaboration and Modex will earn an undisclosed share of future income derived from third party licensing.

Modex recently announced a second collaboration with Serono regarding the development of a high expression cell line for the production of a protein.

A leader in biotechnology solutions for dermatology

Modex Therapeutics is a Swiss biotechnology company founded in 1996 that is developing therapeutic products for the treatment of skin wounds and skin diseases. Recognizing new opportunities in dermatology, Modex is expanding its product pipeline to include new therapeutic agents for the treatment of a wide range of skin diseases. Core competences in biotechnology and strengths in clinical development enable Modex to develop innovative products for the treatment of skin disorders and disease. The goal is to become a leading dermatology company by progressively establishing a product pipeline for diverse indications.

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