Festival of Biologics Basel – Biopharma and Antibodies

The Festival of Biologics in Basel is an international conference for biopharma and antibodies. In a city that has been considered the centre of the pharmaceutical industry for decades, the event brings together decision-makers from research, development, production and regulation. The focus is on biological drugs, innovative therapeutic approaches and technological platforms that are shaping the market for complex active ingredients. Basel offers a particularly high concentration of globally active pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology start-ups and academic institutions. This constellation creates an environment in which scientific innovation and industrial implementation are closely interlinked. The Festival of Biologics leverages this infrastructure to bring together current trends in biopharma and antibody development.

Antibodies as drivers of modern biopharma

Antibody-based therapeutics are among the most important growth areas in the biopharmaceutical industry. Monoclonal antibodies are used in oncology, autoimmune diseases and infectiology. In Basel, experts discuss new formats such as bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and personalised approaches. The focus is on questions of efficacy, safety and manufacturability. Antibodies are complex proteins whose production places high demands on cell lines, fermentation processes and quality control. The Festival of Biologics addresses these challenges in specialised lecture series and discussion forums. Typical topics include:

• Development of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies specific antibodies
• Optimisation of cell lines and expression systems
• Analysis and characterisation of complex biologics
• Clinical trials and regulatory strategies

From research to industrial production

Biopharmaceuticals require specialised production processes. Unlike chemically synthesised drugs, they are produced in living cells. In Basel, experts will exchange ideas on scaling, process stability and cost efficiency. Continuous manufacturing, single-use technologies and digital process monitoring play a central role. Another focus is on quality assurance. Biologics are sensitive to changes in the manufacturing process. Therefore, precise analysis and complete documentation are essential. Methods for real-time monitoring and strategies for ensuring consistent product quality are discussed. The close interlinking of research, development and production is a central feature of the biopharmaceutical industry. The Festival of Biologics reflects this structure by bringing together scientists, engineers and regulatory experts in one place.

Innovations beyond classic antibodies

In addition to established antibody formats, new classes of biological agents are coming to the fore. Cell and gene therapies, RNA-based approaches and recombinant proteins are expanding the spectrum of biopharmaceuticals. In Basel, these developments will be discussed in the context of The integration of data analysis, artificial intelligence and high-throughput screening is also changing the search for active substances. Algorithms support the identification of promising molecules and shorten development times. Companies are presenting platforms that combine computer-aided modelling with experimental data. Frequently discussed areas of innovation include:

• Antibody-drug conjugates in oncology
• Cell-based therapies with a personalised approach
• Digital tools for drug design
• Automated bioprocess development

Regulation and the global market

Biopharmaceutical products are subject to strict regulatory requirements. Authorities in Europe, the USA and Asia define standards for safety, efficacy and production quality. Regulatory developments and international harmonisation are the subject of intense debate in Basel. The global market for antibody therapies is growing steadily. At the same time, demands on pricing and accessibility are increasing. Biosimilars, i.e. follow-on products of biological medicines, are changing the competitive landscape. Manufacturers must take both innovation pressure and cost efficiency into account. The Festival of Biologics offers a platform for linking these economic and regulatory aspects with scientific expertise. Discussions on market access, patent protection and reimbursement systems complement the purely technological topics.

Basel as a hub for the biopharmaceutical industry

Basel is considered one of Europe's most important life science locations in Europe. International corporations, specialised service providers and academic institutions shape the regional ecosystem. The proximity between research laboratories, production facilities and regulatory experts promotes the exchange of knowledge. The Festival of Biologics benefits from this constellation. The event positions Basel as a meeting place for experts working at the interface of biopharma, antibody development and industrial implementation. The exchange is characterised by scientific depth and practical relevance. Biopharma and antibodies are at the centre of a therapeutic transformation that is permanently changing medical treatment options. In Basel, this transformation is becoming tangible as new technologies, regulatory frameworks and market strategies are discussed together. The Festival of Biologics brings these perspectives together in a specialised format that reflects the dynamics of the industry.

Further information can be found on the organiser's website: www.terrapinn.com