IN VITRO DIAGNOSTICS. Expertise, Resources and Innovation capacities in Wallonia (Belgium)

Transcription

1 IN VITRO DIAGNOSTICS Expertise, Resources and Innovation capacities in Wallonia (Belgium)

2 WALLONIA AT THE FOREFRONT OF HEALTH SCIENCES Wallonia, a region of Belgium with 3.4 million inhabitants, located south of Brussels(at the heart of Europe), is home to almost one hundred medical biotechnology companies. The sector generates annual revenues of 3 billion Euros and employs approximately 14,500 people. The companies present in Wallonia include world leaders such as GSK Biologicals (vaccines), UCB (central nervous system and immunology), Baxter (biopharmaceutical products and medical devices), IBA (proton therapy and cyclotrons), Eurogentec (biotechnology products and diagnostics) and Euroscreen (drug discovery and service). These companies, with the exception of Baxter, were originally started and further developed in the region. One third of the workforce of these companies is employed in research and development (R&D) and there is an even higher proportion in the Region s many innovative small and medium sized companies. Wallonia has 300 private and public sector R&D centers currently employing more than researchers. Three academies involving several universities have recently been established to combine their efforts of higher education and academic research: the Académie Universitaire Louvain whose members include the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL, Louvain-la-Neuve and Brussels) and Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix (FUNDP, Namur); the Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Bruxelles whose members include the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB, Brussels) and the Université de Mons (UMONS); and the Académie Universitaire Wallonie Europe whose members include the University of Liège (ULg, Liège) and the Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques de Gembloux (FUSAGx, Gembloux). One quarter (19 000) of the students are studying life sciences. Other than the universities belonging to these three academies, the region is also home to prestigious research institutes such as the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), the Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology (ICP), the Institute of Medical Immunology (IMI), the Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), the Centre for Protein Engineering (CIP), the Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicines (IBMM), the Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research into Human and Molecular Biology (IRI- BHM) and the Center for Medical Innovations (CIM). In 2006, the Walloon Region decided to capitalize on these strengths and created a Health competitiveness cluster, called BioWin, aimed at boosting innovation in health related sectors via partnerships between universities and companies. By promoting synergies between these universities and companies, BioWin is developing a new culture of openness and partnership. Over and above regional networks, the BioWin cluster, with the support of the Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX), encourages stakeholders in the Walloon health sector to cooperate on an international level. This brochure focuses on members of WAL-Dx, the network of BioWin which is active in the area of in vitro diagnostics. They operate in a range of niches, from academic research to development, as well as from the production of diagnostic tests and equipment to support technologies. Wallonia can pride itself on having within a radius of a hundred kilometers inside Belgian borders, everything that is needed for the set-up, development, production and distribution of the most effective diagnostic products. It is obvious that today all biotechnology initiatives must comply with the most stringent quality standards required to access international markets and cross-border partnerships and crucial for maintaining processes that adhere to sustainable development and environmental criteria. Companies in Wallonia are particularly watchful to these considerations. WAL-Dx/BioWin is co-founder with Euromediag/Eurobiomed (Montpellier, France) of the European Diagnostic Clusters Alliance (EDCA). This Alliance aims at foster and develop collaborative networking between European diagnostic clusters in order to consolidate the competitiveness of their SMEs. Access to non-eu markets (USA and Asia) for European medical diagnostic SMEs is also a key objective to the EDCA members.

3 EXPERTISE, RESOURCES AND INNOVATION CAPACITIES IN WALLONIA SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION BIOMARKERS INDUSTRIALISATION Among the several universities, including academic, research and training institutes, spanning its territory, Wallonia is home to a network of high level institutions which educate one quarter of their students and one fifth of their doctoral students in biomedical fields. Specialized training institutes also facilitate the opportunity for graduates to continually update their knowledge in order to remain in line with the constantly changing needs in this field. Research & development is focused on an ongoing basis of new developments intended to benefit patients, while pooling, in particular, expertise that will promote the emergence of theranostics means and companion diagnostics. Based on their expertise, available tools and professional background, companies are specialized in the development of reagents intended to identify targets with increasingly low detection thresholds. This concerns, in particular, pathogens, for which specific gene sequences or targeted surface proteins facilitate a precise identification. Accomplishments keep on line with the ease of use of the products and the targeted diagnostic objective. In all cases, the major aim is the highest diagnostic specificity offered. Today, the development of products, various tests and production processes are supported by, adapted to and intended to optimize the processes bio-computer tools developed in Wallonia. BIOMARKERS IDENTIFICATION DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS DEVELOPMENT In an effort to be increasingly preventive, medicine is now relying on specific biomarkers for all metabolism compartments (epigenetics, genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics). These biomarkers can lead to the establishment of signatures of future pathological conditions or predisposition. Through their selective approach to the cellular compartments concerned or via efficient tools (imagery, high-speed sequencing, etc.), Walloon companies have become specialized in these areas of highly specific early diagnostic approaches. The in vitro diagnostic market, worth 8 billion Euros in Europe alone, has recently grown at a rate of almost 5% a year. The concept of diagnostic tools is generally associated with imagery testing (testing by imagery), but may also be associated with other various detection systems. If these tests are, for the most part, carried out in specialized diagnostic laboratories in particular for pathogens the proportion of the tests which can be carried out at home and accessible via the Internet seems to be growing.

4 EXPERTISE, RESOURCES AND INNOVATION CAPACITIES IN WALLONIA SIGNALS ANALYSIS LOGISTICS Parallel to the tests based on the use of very high specificity biomarkers and reagents, the diagnostic must also accredit equipment facilitating an immediate response or deciphering the raw data generated by the test. This involves high technology readers which transform emitted signals- (chemical, radiological, etc.) into data, algorithms or graphs purposefully used for diagnostic. DESIGN AND PRODUCTION While some companies handle their own market logistics, others rely on the specialized services of partners that include logistics services among their main activities. An appropriate IT system is inevitably part of these logistics with a twofold aim towards efficiency and optimizing resources. Additional support can also be obtained via outside partnerships, in particular when it comes to development of new markets or niches. Undoubtedly, a Walloon Company can provide the finalization and marketing logistics, on either its home territory or in neighboring countries, for products developed by a foreign partner sharing the same niche, without however having the same means. Disregarding how effective signal analyzers may be at the moment, they can only access a significant user market if they are easy to use, compact, safe, reliable, and can provide reproducible results. Therefore, in order to satisfy the most stringent standards and certification procedures (ISO and others), they must be designed and batch manufactured in the same respect as the tests and reagents on which they are based. DATA MANAGEMENT In the new paradigm that develops worldwide in the diagnostic field, especially for companion diagnostic, treatment follow-ups will become more and more «home testing». In order to get as close as possible to the patient while leaving him free to stay at home, or in the case of pathogens follow-up in third-world countries, combination of smart equipment, data analysis and data management will need strong IT involvement. Remote data access on dedicated server will allow quick response from specialist who won t need to be present on site.

5 Table of contents COMPANIES info sheet RESEARCH CENTERS info sheet Analis Belgium Académie Universitaire Louvain Artialis Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Bruxelles B&C Group Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Europe Belgian Volition CECOTEPE Bioptis CER Groupe Cardio3 GIGA CER Groupe ImmuneHealth Coris Bioconcept Multitel Diagam Protein Engineering Centre Diagenode N/A DIAsource Immunoassays DNAVision N/A DNAlytics D-Tek EONIX Eppendorf Array Technologies N/A Eurogentec IDS Belgium MDX Health Probiox ProGenosis Straticell Uteron Pharma WOW Technology Zentech

6 Analis s.a. / n.v. Analis, established in 1927, is a distributor of scientific laboratory equipment and has been active on the Belgian-Luxembourg market for more than 80 years. Its 'Analis R&D Diag' unit has been developing diagnostic IVD kits since more than 25 years now, using electrophoretic and capillary electrophoretic techniques (CEofix Kit). This division also offers assistance, training and feasibility studies for capillary electrophoresis applications. PRODUCTS There is a wide range of kits covering in vitro diagnostics applications as well as biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, food and industrial applications. The IVD applications focus on hemoglobinopathies, serum proteins, as well as cerebrospinal fluid proteins and follow-up of abuse of alcohol. For the biopharmaceutical applications there is a focus on proteins, peptides and carbohydrates. More general applications cover anions, cations, organic acids and aliphatic amines. More information on COLLABORATION Since many years, this unit has been actively in contact with professional organizations such as IFCC (International Federation of Clinical Chemistry), BioWin and more particularly WAL-Dx, CASSS CE Pharm, FlandersBio, UNAMEC. It is also supported by AWEX (Wallonia Export and Investment). Analis, as distributor, is at the heart of a worldwide network of more than 100 suppliers of scientific equipment. For example Analis R&D Diag has collaborated with Beckman Coulter (U.S.) to develop new products and to give worldwide support to capillary electrophoresis users. Several projects were started with key university laboratories in Belgium and outside Belgium exploring new technologies, including CE-MS applications. KEY FIGURES In 2010, Analis achieved a turnover of 33 million of which 3% for export. The company employs about 140 people. PROJECTS WORLD MARKET Analis R&D products are sold in several parts of the world: mainly Europe, North-America, Middle East and Asia. Analis is also present at different major exhibitions such as AACC (U.S.), MEDICA (Germany), Arab Health (Dubai), CMEF (China). Business Development and R&D Manager François de l'escaille fde@analis.be Analis is looking to collaborate with specialized distributors in several countries to sell and promote its kits and applications. Through this collaboration, Analis also intends to develop new applications and kits using capillary electrophoresis based on its existing expertise. CEofix kits, HbA1c, HbA2, CDT, SPE, capillary electrophoresis proteins, peptides, small molecules Analis s.a./n.v. Rue de Néverlée Suarlée Belgium ceofix@analis.be Contact François de l'escaille Business Development and R&D Manager T F fde@analis.be

7 ARTIALIS s.a. ARTIALIS SA is a Belgian company experienced in the development and the commercialization of immunoassays based on innovative markers for the diagnostic and the prognostic of Joint and Musculoskeletal Disorders (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis...). OUR PRODUCTS We commercialize ELISA kits of our proprietary OA and RA markers. OUR MISSION To offer a personalized approach to help human and veterinary pharmaceutical companies, along with the food industry, in their development of innovative drugs and food supplements by decreasing the length and the cost of the clinical studies. OUR MARKER ANALYSIS SERVICE We offer a simplex and multiplex marker analysis service for drug and target screening applications, clinical trials and animal model research activities. OUR IMMUNOASSAY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE We develop high qualitative in vitro (IVD) products for our customers. In extension of our development service, we provide smallscale pilot and commercial production capabilities that fulfill the requirement of new IVD products. Innovative markers for joint & muskuloskeletal disorders Osteoarthritis Rheumatoïd Arthritis ARTIALIS s.a. 11, Avenue de l Hôpital (Tour GIGA +3) 4000 Liège Belgium Contacts Daniel Maréchal General Director Daniel.Marechal@Artialis.com Michelle Deberg Scientific Director Michelle.Deberg@Artialis.com

8 B&C Group s.a. Your Long Term Packaging & Logistics Partner B & C Group provides world-class packaging and logistics services dedicated to research of new medicines, nutriceuticals, medical devices and health products. By re-engineering the supply chain through its centres of excellence, B & C provides flexible and efficient solutions for the packaging, distribution, transport and storage or archiving of all clinical trial materials and biological specimens. rvices. By re-engineering logistics processes through our ion, Transport Coordination and Specimen Services), we, distribution, transport and storage or archiving of clinical Ps) and biological specimens. Consultancy & Training Logistics Study Design Packaging Design Personalized advice Sourcing Packaging Warehousing Distribution & Transport Biobanking Comparator Drug Supplies Study Specific Material IMPs Sampling Kits Labeling Just-in-time Packaging Study Documentation IMPs Nutriceuticals Biological Specimens Temperature Controlled IMPs Import / Export EU Release Temperature Controlled On Site QC Consolidated Transport Dedicated Transport Long Term Specimen Storage IMPs Return / Accountability Archiving Destruction innovative clinical expert quality efficient flexible B & C Group Watson & Crick Hill 11 rue Granbonpré B-1348 Mont-St-Guibert Belgium Contacts Philippe Van der Hofstadt CEO T +32 (0) F +32 (0) info@bnc-group.com

9 Belgian Volition s.a. Belgian Volition SA is a diagnostics company based in Namur developing simple blood tests for the detection of a variety of cancers. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of VolitionRX Limited which is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board in the United States of America under the symbol VNRX.OB. MARKET Belgian Volition s simple ELISA blood tests will address the central laboratory and point-of-care cancer markets worth approximately $450M per annum. PRODUCTS Belgian Volition is developing a range of blood-based Nucleosomics TM epigenetic cancer screening tests, which will be released first for research then for clinical use. The tests will enable doctors to: Screen for the general presence of cancer in the body with a single blood test Investigate which cancer is present in cancer positive patients using a panel of tests. KEY FIGURES Belgian Volition has received around $3M of funding to date approximately equally spilt between private and public sources. PARTNERSHIPS Belgian Volition has a number of clinical and commercial partners across Europe collaborating in clinical studies and in the production of antibodies for epigenetic epitopes. The test products are: NuQ TM A general blood test for the detection of the level of all nucleosomes in a patient s blood NuQ-X TM A family of blood tests for the detection of nucleosomes containing specific nucleotides. One of these tests is used to detect the presence of cancer. NuQ-V TM A family of tests for the detection of nucleosomes containing specific histone variants to identify the type of cancer present. NuQ-M TM A family of tests for the detection of nucleosomes containing specific modified histones to identify the type of cancer present. Belgian Volition has more than 10 assays currently under clinical validation. Oncology Inflammation Sepsis In vitro diagnostics, Nucleosomes, simple blood tests, ELISA Belgian Volition s.a. FUNDP 61 rue de Bruxelles 5000 Namur Belgium Contacts Patrick Rousseau Managing Director p.rousseau@volitionrx.com

10 Bioptis BiopTis is a spin-off from the University of Liege (Belgium) created in 2007 by two research centres : the Centre for Oxygen Research and Development (CORD) and the European Equine Research Centre of Mont-le-Soie (MLS). BiopTis is an innovative biotechnology company highly specialized in the field of equine pathology. PARTNERSHIPS Besides its narrow partnership with the CORD, MLS and the equine clinic of the Ulg, BiopTis collaborates with other equine research centers and both several other companies like e.g. Zentech, Skuldtech, Regenlab, Alphastemsource,... PRODUCTS BiopTis develops and sells kits with specific dosages validated for horses. The main fields covered are inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, bone and cartilage metabolism, cell therapy, genomics and transcriptomics. PROJECTS Bioptis is seeking to enlarge their product range in the field of fast kits with the aim to open new markets for clinical biology laboratories, veterinary clinics and training centres of sport and race horses. MARKET Until now, the market is essentially constituted by public or private equine research centers. KEY FIGURES BiopTis counts about ten co-workers and leans however on the logistics of the CORD and MLS. The turnover for 2010 is about horse, inflammation, mitochondria, bone and cartilage metabolism cellular therapy, transcryptomics, genomics Bioptis Université de Liège, Biochimie Local 3.19 (bât B6a) 4000 Sart Tilman Belgium Contacts Jacques Kuypers Managing Director Didier Serteyn Scientific Consultant info@bioptis.be

11 Cardio3 BioScience Cardio3 BioSciences is a leading Belgian biotechnology company founded in 2007 that focused on the discovery and development of regenerative and protective therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Cardio3 BioSciences product candidates and research programmes are based on the breakthrough proprietary Cardiopoiesis technology platform, which has been licensed from the world-leading Mayo Clinic (USA). Cardio3 BioSciences also draws on clinical expertise from the renowned Cardiovascular Center in Aalst (Belgium). The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Mont-Saint-Guibert in the Walloon Region of Belgium. It employs about 45 people. PRODUCTS The Cardiopoiesis platform is designed to drive the differentiation of multipotent stem cells into new cardiac progenitor cells. Based on this novel platform, the Company has generated a pipeline of product candidates and research programmes targeting heart failure (HF) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Autologous cell based therapy; C-Cure, developed for HF indications, designed to regenerate damaged heart muscle by producing new autologous heart muscle cells which behave identically to those lost in infarction without carrying the risk of rejection. A-cellular protein based programmes, aimed at protecting heart tissue from acute injury and promoting activation of resident cardiac stem cells in an AMI setting KEY FIGURES To date, Cardio3 BioSciences (including Cardio3 SA, the Company s predecessor company) has received 38.0 million in funding, of which 22.8 million in equity y over three private rounds, and 15.2 million in non-dilutive regional public funding. PROJECTS Cardio3Biosciences, thanks to its intense collaborations with major hospitals such as the O.L.V. Ziekenhuis (Aalst, Belgium) as well as with Mayo Clinic (Rochester, USA), and based on its own independent R&D programs, has secured access to valuable patient information and data which are considered highly relevant for the development of sensitive theranostics - diagnostics in funtion of therapy - for cardiovascular diseases in support of its innovative personalised medicine solutions, and is interested in a strong partnership for a joint research and development program leveraging efforts and knowledge jointly in preparation of their potential market introduction. COLLABORATIONS The Company has entered into multiple industrial and academic collaborations with the aim to develop and industrialize its various product candidates. C-Cath : proprietary injection catheter designed to maximise the delivery efficiency of regenerative therapeutics to the heart. MARKET Cardio3 BioSciences estimates that more than 117 million people are suffering from HF worldwide. The addressable market for C- Cure, i.e. ischemic HF patients with systolic dysfunction with moderate to severe symptoms, has been estimated by the company at 7.2 million patients. For AMI, Cardio3 BioSciences estimates that 11.8 million people suffer from an acute event every year. Cardiac Progenitor CSCs Cardiopoiesis, Regenerative Protein therapies, Protective therapies, Antibody a-cellular, autologous, Heart failure (HF), Acute Myocardial Infarct (AMI) Cardio3 BioSciences 12 rue Edouard Belin 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert Belgium Contacts Christian Homs CEO chomsy@c3bs.com

12 Coris BioConcept s.p.r.l. Coris BioConcept was founded in October 1996, with Thierry LECLIPTEUX (CEO & Scientific Director), and three other investors. Aim of the company was to provide a global service in the diagnostic field with rapid and robust assays. PRODUCTS Development, production and marketing of diagnostic kits for the detection of pathogens responsible for infectious diseases. Tests are performed on coated nitrocellulose strips and results are observed with colloidal gold particles, latex microspheres or fluorescent dyes. 9 persons are involved in the R&D Department of Coris. The company is well suited to work for custom developments. Aside of this activity, Coris is engaged in the development of new technologies aimed at robust and sensitive multiplex diagnosis and is involved in numerous European FP7 R&D programs. MARKET Coris BioConcept is present in more than 80 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Oceania. We are leader on the Belgian market (80%), in Ireland, South Africa, and Chili. KEY FIGURES 25 persons presently work in the company. Coris BioConcept is self financed : in 1996, the turnover was ; in 1999, , to reach in 2005 and to border the in PARTNERSHIPS Coris has several partnerships with Research Institutes as well as with well-known companies. IMTSSA (Marseille, France) Inserm Transfert (Paris, France) ITG-Dept of Parasitology (Antwerp, Belgium) DBL (Frederiksberg, Denmark) University of Antwerp (Antwerp, Belgium) University of Liège (Liège, Belgium) Catholic University of Louvain (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium) Free University of Brussels (Brussels, Belgium) IBM Zurich Research Laboratory (Ruschlikon, Switzerland) DS Pharma Biomedical Co (Osaka, Japan) PROJECTS Detection of resistance mechanisms in antibiotic-resistant bacteria Detection of metabolic markers involved in cancer disease Antigen detection Serological detection Infectious pathogens Cancer markers Drug Immunochromatography Microfluidic chips Colloïd particles Fluorescent particles Isothermal amplification CEO & Scientific Director Thierry Leclipteux th.leclipteux@corisbio.com Coris BioConcept s.p.r.l. Science Park CREALYS Rue Jean Sonet 4A 5032 Gembloux Belgium Contact Thierry Leclipteux CEO & Scientific Director th.leclipteux@corisbio.com

13 DiAgAM s.a. DiAgAM was founded as LTD in 1993 by Gilbert Ameryckx (CEO - PhD in analytical chemistry and surface chemistry). DiAgAM provides optimized solution for liquid clinical chemistry. ISO and 13485, DiAgam implements the standard in the establishment of technical records. PRODUCTS Development and production of reagents for the titration of specific proteins either with classical immunoturbidimetric methods, either with innovating nanoparticles technologies, at this day, on our direct market we are considered as a major specialist of specific proteins. Development of applicative aspect on high speed analyzers from Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Roche, Abbott, Siemens, Olympus-Beckman. This involves the provision of bottles code barred 100% compatible with the analytical system. PARTNERSHIPS DiAgAm has several partnerships: CHU Pitié-Salpétrière in the field of Fibrotest determination. with the big fives companies, as alternative supplier and reagent developer: Johnson and Johnson, Abbott, Roche, Beckman-Olympus, Siemens Joint venture with Coris BioConcept and share of the capital of the company nanoq, active in the field of synthesis and coating of nanoparticles. PROJECTS Analytical detection of Cystatin C with the use of a nanogold technology. Analytical detection of Hyaluronic Acid. MARKET DiAgam is directly present on Belgian, French and Portugal markets and through distributors in many worldwide countries. KEY FIGURES 15 persons are presently working in the company, mainly Ph.D., graduates and post graduates. The annual growing turnover is around Specific Proteins, analytical titration Managing Director, CEO, PhD Gilbert Ameryckx mail@diagam.com Immuno-turbidimetry, nanogold in suspended phase technology Diagam s.a. rue du Parc Industriel 7822 Ghislenghien Belgium Contacts Gilbert Ameryckx Managing Director, CEO, PhD mail@diagam.com

14 DIAsource ImmunoAssays s.a. DIAsource ImmunoAssays (formerly BioSource) an international diagnostics company (Belgium), develops, manufactures and markets clinical diagnostic products in the field of endocrinology and infectious diseases. Core products are RIA and ELISA technology and reagents for open ELISA automated analyzers as well as antibodies for use in in-vitro diagnostic assays with specific development and manufacturing programs for Vitamin D, Renin, Calcitonin and many others. We also provide selected instrumentation for ELISA. It is our ambition to use our 30 years of expertise in Antibody and Assay development to become a well-known source of diagnostic immunoassays for the IVD market. PRODUCTS During the last 30 years, we have developed manual ELISA and RIA immunoassays for the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide variety of endocrine disorders and infectious diseases. Core technologies are RIA, ELISA and reagents for open ELISA automated analyzers as well as antibodies for use in in-vitro diagnostic assays. MARKET DIAsource ImmunoAssays has a direct sales organization in Belgium and Luxemburg as well as a branch office in France and is present worldwide through a network of over 70 carefully chosen distributors. Our key customers are hospital labs, private diagnostic laboratories, biotech and pharmaceutical companies. KEY FIGURES Revenue 2010 : Human Resources : 57 employees Growth : 11% Export : represents 76% of total revenue PROJECTS Specific development of antibodies to set up assay development programs for Vitamin D, Renin, Calcitonin, DHEA and many others. Development of assays to be used on open automates systems (ELISA and LIA format). in-vitro Diagnostic, bone Metabolism, vitamin D, renin, calcitonin, fertility thyroid Function, cancer Markers International Sales & Marketing Director Peter Kerckx peter.kerckx@diasource.be DIAsource ImmunoAssays s.a. Rue du Bosquet, Louvain-La-Neuve Belgium Contact Peter Kerckx International Sales & Marketing Director M F peter.kerckx@diasource.be

15 IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC DNAlytics DNAlytics is a partner of choice for improving clinical trials success likelihood, return on investment and to extend IVD companies value proposition and customer support. To this end, DNAlytics proposes its innovative technology based on applied mathematics, statistics and computing sciences. DNAlytics technology can be applied independently of the considered biological/pathological condition, and on a broad range of data types. It is particularly robust in context where much more variables than observations are available (typical of modern molecular biology instruments). DNAlytics is a UCL Spin-Off project launched in October Its technology received IBM Belgium / FNRS best IT scientific work 2011 Award. MARKET DNAlytics clinical trials service offer targets pharmaceutical companies worldwide. IVD analytical support offer targets IVD companies as well as hospitals, also worldwide. PARTNERSHIPS DNAlytics aready collaborated with large and small pharmaceutical companies (in Belgium and abroad), with hospitals and renowned academic partners. It can also rely on UCL's Machine Learning Group, gathering about 30 researchers in Data Mining. PRODUCTS Clinical trials: DNAlytics supports pharmaceutical companies in their drug design and validation by providing expert modeling and analytical know-how applied to personalized medicine: population profiling (biomarker identification) and design and validation of models for automated prediction (diagnostics, prognostics, treatment response prediction, patients stratification, dose or adverse event prediction,...) and treatment efficacy assessment. IVD analytical support: DNAlytics helps In Vitro Diagnostic companies extend their offer to their own customers by adding analysis capabilities to their products. We design and implement automated analysis pipelines, including predictive analysis and decision support tools, as well as data visualization or QC functionalities. Spin-Off Project Manager Thibault Helleputte thibault.helleputte@dnalytics.com PROJECTS DNAlytics intends to significantly impact the way clinical research is led, its performance and profitability, by turning the information contained in massive data into knowledge of which healthcare players can make use. DNAlytics already worked in projects centered on cancer, allergy, lupus, arthritis, genetics in consanguineous families, etc. Improve Clinical Trial Success Likelihood and ROI Analysis Capabilities For Your IVD Solutions IT And Computational Expertise For Your R&D Projects DNAlytics Reaumur Building, Place Sainte Barbe, Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium Contacts Thibault Helleputte Spin-Off Project Manager M thibault.helleputte@dnalytics.com

16 D-Tek s.a. D-TEK s.a. is a middle-sized private Belgian biotechnology company created in 1995 in Mons, 40km from Brussels. The company is highly specialized in the development and manufacturing of diagnostic kits for autoimmune diseases. Research and development steps as well as the production are carried out and managed by D-TEK itself. From the beginning on, D-TEK has relied on a network of experienced distributors for the promotion and sales of its products. PRODUCTS The company D-TEK has developed 4 ranges of diagnostic products, respectively BlueWell (ELISA), BlueDot (Immunodot), BlueDiver Dot (Automatized Immunodot) and BlueDiver Quantrix (Automatized Microarrays). All these ranges are based on a classical Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) procedure. They allow D-TEK to offer the most suitable diagnostic solutions to specific customer needs. KEY FIGURES D-TEK has a capital of The total of sales for 2010 is The company employs 16 persons. PARTNERSHIPS The company D-TEK works in close contact with opinion leaders in the autoimmune field. PROJECTS The projects aim to increase the number of diagnostic kits available in autoimmunity. This will be done in close contact with customer needs. Moreover, the BlueDiver Instrument which automatizes the BlueDiver kits is one of the most affordable and flexible multiplexing platform available on the market. D-TEK has also developed a complete range of liquid stabilizers (AP- Stab, HRP-Stab, coating solutions), liquid substrates (TMBE, TMBM, NBT and pnpp), ready-to-use reagents (diluents and wash buffers) and membrane devices. MARKET Since its creation in 1995, D-TEK exports most of its production (in 2010: more than 80%). D-TEK s products are sold in Europe, in North Africa, in the Middle-East and in Asia. diagnostic, autoimmunity, stabilizers, substrates, ELISA immunodot Managing Director & Scientific Director Alain Vigneron avigneron@d-tek.be D-Tek s.a. Rue René Descartes Mons Belgium Contacts Alain Vigneron Managing Director & Scientific Director avigneron@d-tek.be Benoît Autem Marketing Director bautem@d-tek.be

17 Eonix Eonix is an IT spin-off company from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL). The company was founded in December 2007 by three engineers and one physician. FOUNDERS TECHNOLOGY Eonix has developed two complementary technologies used in its different products. The first one allows fast and robust implementations for data acquisition, management and integration. Pr Macq Ir PhD, Colonel Pr Gala MD PhD, Aloys du Bois d Aische Ir PhD MBA, Bruno Juste Ir, The second technology is specialized in completely dematerialized and secured servers solutions quickly installed for associations, sme and research groups. PRODUCTS Eonix proposes different products and services: e-crf and data management for clinical studies and registries. Eonix domains of predilection are related to surgeries, transplants, oncology, pain and rare diseases. Geos for traceability and real-time Geolocation within hospital and complex infrastructures Mammos is a complete IT solution for centers organizing mammotests and breast cancers screening. Cleos is a global server solution created for companies, associations and research group necessitating a professional IT infrastructure without deploying it internally. Cleos also hosts specific solutions such as clouded PACS and imagery. Data Management, traceability, e-crf, Geolocation, Transplant MARKET Eonix is a beneficiary company having markets in Europe and US, and beginning to extend its markets through partners. Cloud Servers, Breast cancer Eonix Bld Initialis Mons Belgium Contacts Aloys du Bois d Aische Manager adb@eonix.be

18 Eurogentec s.a. Eurogentec was founded in 1985 as a spin-off from the University of Liège (Belgium). Eurogentec S.A., part of Kaneka Corporation, is a leading global supplier of innovative reagents, kits, specialty products and custom services to scientists in the life science, biotechnology, diagnostic and pharmaceutical markets. Experts in small and large-scale DNA, RNA and peptide synthesis, Eurogentec is an experienced Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO), and is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 13485:2003 certified. It operates two fullservice state-of-the-art GMP-compliant manufacturing facilities in Belgium that provide high value custom biologics and a wide range of oligonucleotide-based components for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR DIAGNOSTIC MARKET Eurogentec is a CMO of GMP components (oligonucleotides & Taq DNA Polymerases) for: Molecular Diagnostic kits (IVD) in development and/or on the market Laboratory developed tests (ASRs) NETWORK Eurogentec s headquarters (administrative offices and production facilities) are located in the LIEGE Science Park. The company has subsidiaries in France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Switzerland and production facilities in San Diego (USA) and in Toyama (Japan). Eurogentec acquired AnaSpec, a privately held proteomics company based in Fremont, California (USA). KEY FIGURES Eurogentec currently employs over 400 people, including around 40 PhDs. In 2010, Eurogentec became part of Kaneka Corporation (Osaka, Japan) which employs more than 7700 people around the world. GMP taq, manufacturing diagnostic, GMP, CMO, ISO 13485, oligonucleotide Ms, MBA, Global IVD Business Development Director Marc Molina m.molina@eurogentec.com Eurogentec s.a. Rue Bois Saint-Jean Seraing Belgium Contact Marc Molina Ms, MBA, Global IVD Business Development Director m.molina@eurogentec.com

19 ImmunoDiagnostic Systems (IDS) Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc (IDS), with its European subsidiaries, is specialized in the development and manufacturing of innovative diagnostic immunoassays and research use only assays. IDS plays a key role in the development and manufacturing of reagent kits as well as in the development and manufacturing of an automatic immunoassay analyser, the IDS-iSYS instrument. KEY FIGURES End of March 2011, IDS Liège had a turnover of 9.3 millions Euros Human Resources : In 2008 : 35 employees In 2011 : 74 employees LIÈGE SUBSIDIARY There is a large range of activities in the Liège site, including R&D, Technical Support, Quality Insurance, Quality Control, Production and Finance. PRODUCTS IDS Liège SA has become a big production center of reagents for the IDS-iSYS instrument MARKET Reagents produced in Liège are sent to its Headquarters in the UK as well as to its subsidiaries in Germany, France, Italy and USA. Immunoassay Biochemistry Coagulation Specialist Automation IDS s.a. rue Ernest Solvay Liège Belgium Contacts Guy Pirens Site Manager guy.pirens@idsplc.com

20 MDxHealth s.a. MDxHealth is a leading molecular diagnostics company that develops and commercializes oncology-based molecular diagnostic testing and companion diagnostics for personalized medicine. The company s numerous cancer tests are based on proprietary gene methylation technology and assist physicians with the diagnosis of cancer, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PARTNERSHIPS MDxHealth collaborates with leading cancer research center such as Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Cleveland Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and major European academic medical centers. The company has a number of commercial and collaborative partnerships with LabCorp, Merck & Co./Schering Plough, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Roche, Merck KGaA, Qiagen, Pfizer and other industry leaders. MDxHealth s clinical diagnostics products are focused on 3 major cancer areas : prostate, colon and lung cancer. The Company s Pharmaco Diagnostic program provides biomarker development, clinical trial service, development companion diagnostic and next generation sequencing. THE COMPANY MDxHealth is listed on Euronext (ticker : MDXH). The headquarters is located in Liège (Belgium) and the Company has subsidiaries in Ghent (Belgium) and Irvine (California). MDxHealth employs 37 people worldwide including 11 PhDs. The Company has no financial debt and more than 14 million euro cash in hand. Molecular Diagnostic Tests For Personalized Cancer Treatment CEO Dr Jan Groen info@mdxhealth.com MDxHealth s.a. Avenue de l Hôpital, Liège Belgium Contacts Dr Jan Groen CEO +32 (0) info@mdxhealth.com

21 Probiox s.a. PROBIOX is a spin-off from the University of Liège, Belgium. The company was created in 2001, drawing on unique expertise in the field of diagnosis of oxidative stress. The company owns key intellectual property related to the analysis and interpretation of oxidative stress parameters and is now widely recognized as a leader in OXIDATIVE STRESS MANAGEMENT. PRODUCTS IP The company holds granted patents in the key European and North- American markets. KEY FIGURES PROBIOX has raised over 2 Mio in capital. Amongst its investors are Meusinvest, Technowal et ABL SA. 1. OXYSCORE TM. Providing assessments of oxidative stress and customized nutritional solutions to patients. This product is marketed under the brand OXYSCORE TM. 2. OXYSCORE TM. PROJECTS Development of new diagnostic tools for the management of oxidative stress. Developing new tools for diagnosis of oxidative stress such as the OXYSCORE TM microarray, a DNA chip developed to measure the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. MARKET PROBIOX addresses the growing markets of preventive medicine and nutraceutical. OXIDATIVE STRESS NUTRACEUTICALS GENE EXPRESSION Probiox s.a. Rue des Fosses B4140 Sprimont Belgium Contact Donat De Groote Scientific Director d.degroote@probiox.com

22 ProGenosis s.a. ProGenosis is a spin-off of the Center for Protein Engineering of Liège University of Belgium, set up in PRODUCTS ProGenosis has acquired a strong expertise in the field of antigen development, sub-unit antigens engineering and in antibody characterization (epitope mapping). Our proprietary technology enhances access to protein domains known to be insoluble, difficult-to-express or even both. We are specialized in the development of biotools; bifunctional antigens allowing the generation an easily measurable signal. This biotool is useful for protein interaction studies. PARTNERSHIPS Its collaboration with the Center for Protein Engineering provides a privileged access to the latest laboratory research and development. Our collaboration with the CER of Marloie opens the access to poly- and mono-clonal antibodies facilities. PROJECTS ProGenosis wishes to reinforce its position in services related to the development of sub-unit antigens for the IVD. The technology approaches, enhancing the specificity of the antigenantibody recognition and decreasing the background at the same time, have been successfully concept-proved by IVD companies. MARKET ProGenosis provides Life Science companies such as pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and IVD compagnies, with R&D customized services in its core business field. KEY FIGURES ProGenosis' collaborators are around ten people, technicians and scientists. More than half scientists have taken part in the building up of the technology platform. The 2008 company turnover was about Antigen development, Difficult-to-express proteins Epitope mapping, Biotools for protein/ ligand interactions Business Development Nadia Ruth nruth@progenosis.com ProGenosis s.a. Boulevard du Rectorat 27b B22 Sart-Tilman P70c 4000 Liège Belgium Contacts Fabrizio Giannottar CEO fgiannotta@progenosis.com Nadia Ruth Business Development nruth@progenosis.com

23 StratiCELL s.a. StratiCELL has been founded in 2005 as a spin-off company from the University of Namur, Belgium. StratiCELL is a fully independent company with its own facilities. PRODUCTS StratiCELL is a skin model manufacturer and a project-driven service provider for in vitro testing, with a particular emphasis on testing of skin care actives and products. In vitro activity testing (Senescence and ageing, Skin pigmentation,...) In vitro toxicity testing (Skin irritation, Phototoxicity,...) Gene expression analysis (TaqMan arrays) Customized R&D partner for in vitro testing KEY FIGURES StratiCELL s eleven employees have a strong R&D and innovation commitment to ensure the most up-to-date in vitro solutions at the highest scientific standards, with a state-of-the-art equipments and technology platforms including cell culture facilities, histology, real-time qpcr & TaqMan arrays, DNA microarrays, protein chemistry, immunoassays, fluorescence microscopy, Franz-cell system, HPLC... PARTNERSHIPS StratiCELL is a leading company assisting the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and chemical industries to the safety and activity evaluation of their actives and products in a GPL-like environment. MARKET StratiCELL is unique in its kind, providing an integrated solution for in vitro testing skin care products, because StratiCELL manufactures in-house the in vitro skin models and offers the laboratory testing service as well. in vitro testing expertise, 3D skin models CEO Michel Salmon msalmon@straticell.com StratiCELL s.a. Science Park CREALYS Rue Jean Sonet Gembloux Belgium Contacts Michel Salmon CEO msalmon@straticell.com Thierry Decharneux Business Development Manager tdecharneux@straticell.com

24 UTERON PHARMA s.a. Uteron Pharma Group, headquartered in Liège (Belgium), is a development-based company dedicated to female healthcare. The company specialises in four different domains: Fertility, Menopause, Vaginal infections and Cancers. The company has a broad and diversified product portfolio of innovative products in different stages of development. At Uteron Pharma we are committed to enabling (cutting-edge scientific) research that is driven by women s needs Innovation Female Healthcare Uteron Pharma s.a. Rue du Travail Grâce-Hollogne Belgium Contacts Melanie Mestdagt Business and Funding Coordinator mmestdagt@uteron-operations.com

25 WOW TECHNOLOGY engineering your ideas IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC WOW Technology s.a. Founded 25 years ago by Joel Demarteau, the main activity of WOW Technology is the design and implementation of automated systems and specific equipments. PRODUCTS We are specialized in customized design and realization. Our major specificity is our creativity! Through our satisfaction surveys, the market recognizes us for this ability to find and implement in a professional way simple, innovative, original, robust and economic solutions. MARKET In the pharmaceutical and biotechnological fields, WOW Technology offers its expertise in prototyping and production machine, in optimization, in interpretation and in technical management. KEY FIGURES This creative ability is challenged within a multidisciplinary team of over 45 scientists, engineers and highly skilled technicians (mechanics, robotics, automation, computer, electrical, electronics or physics). The turnover of WOW Technology is 5 M. PARTNERSHIPS Clients : IBA, Pentacore, Baxter, Brucells, Symfo, Eppendorf, UCL, ULB, UMH, FUNDP, ULG, D-Tek, Ovizio, Phorexy... and others (major and minor) who asked for discretion. PROJECTS A few examples among many others : Design, realisation and production of several laboratory and medical devices Design and realization of distributors of O2 absorbers under controlled atmosphere for Baxter; Design and realization of several instruments, robotized gantry, miscellaneous prototyping for Eppendorf; Studies, design and realization of a cell culture system under controlled atmosphere (low O2) for FUNDP; Realization of submillimetre three axis positioners for the treatment of eye tumors by protontherapy, and liquid cooling system of cyclotrons supply for IBA; Design and realization of an assembly and test line of cell culture dishes for Pentacore, Portable device for recording symptoms in real time for Symfo. Robotic gantry for the development of detection kits of biomolecules. Managing Director Joël Demarteau joel.demarteau@wowtechnology.com prototyping, automation, industrial, test and measurement, instrumentation, diagnostics, turn-key, biotechnology medical, pharmaceuticals, biosensors WOW Technology s.a. Rue Pieds d'alouette Naninne Belgium Contacts Joël Demarteau Administrateur Délégué joel.demarteau@wowtechnology.com Jean Demarteau Managing Director jean.demarteau@wowtechnology.com

26 Zentech s.a. With headquarters in the Liège Science Park in Belgium, Zentech is a biotechnology company highly specialized in the development, production and marketing of in vitro medical diagnostic tests in the field of immune and chronic disorders. Our innovative and effective diagnostic kits allow the detection and the quantifi cation of the biomarkers involved in the diseases of the immune system (auto-immune diseases, allergy, food intolerance), in diabetes screening and in ageing (tissue degeneration, oxidative stress). For each of these pathologies, Zentech has developed a line of specific products meeting expectations and needs of the market, becoming thus one of the major actors of the sector QUALITY & SERVICE Zentech is determined to provide outstanding quality and service to its customers and this is refl ected in its commitment to innovative development and the highest manufacturing standards. The large number of long standing OEM agreements with major international diagnostics companies and the policy of meeting all necessary regulatory requirements is further proof. Zentech s customers can expect the highest standards of customer care with an experienced team of scientists and technicians dedicated to the provision of first class technical support for Zentech s products. Since many years, we don t only dedicate ourselves to supply quality diagnostic products, but also to help our clients to strengthen their competitiveness by offering several quality technical services. All services are manufactured under ISO-9001 requirements. EXPERTISE AND INNOVATION Zentech is heavily involved and has considerable expertise in the research, development,manufacture and marketing of in vitro medical Diagnostic tests. This know-how together with close links with leading European medical and university research centres, enables the development by Zentech of innovative and effective products with high quality standards for both established and developing market segments. MISSION STATEMENT Zentech s overall mission is to increase the value of shareholder s investment through sales growth, costs and accurate investment management and maintaining superior customer service and patient care. CENTRALLY LOCATED, GLOBALLY CONNECTED Zentech is a truly international company with more than 80 % of its turnover in export sales to around 75 countries. A key factor in Zentech s export success has been its fl exibility in the establishment of local business collaborations. Zentech s products currently each laboratories and hospitals all over the world via distributors, agents, OEM partners and,for some customers, direct from their state of the art facility in Belgium. The company is actively seeking new partners and working closely with its current distributors to help them in their marketing efforts. A COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCT LINE Pursuing its strategic development, Zentech has recently acquired a Belgium biotechnology company called Gamma, specialized in immunological techniques for in vitro medical diagnostic use: one step membrane tests (rapid tests), neonatal screening, prenatal screening of Trisomy 21 combined with an original CE marked software. The integration of Gamma allows Zentech to extend the range of its products and services on an evoluting world market. The acquisition of Gamma by Zentech is an additional step in its development, allowing the two companies to join their complementary know-how and offer an innovating line range of products. Zentech s.a. Av. Pré Aily, 10 B-4031 Angleur Belgium Contacts Alain Bosseloir Chief Operating Officer a.bosseloir@zentech.be

27 Académie Universitaire Louvain The Louvain academic district brings together students and teachers, researchers and assistants from 4 different universities divided among 5 locations (Facultés Universitaires Catholiques de Mons (FUCAM), Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix de Namur (FUNDP), Facultés Universitaires Saint-Louis (FUSL, Bruxelles) and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL, Louvain-la-Neuve and Woluwe)). The Louvain academic district proposes a broad range of services to innovative companies : 4 scientific parks (Louvain-la-Neuve, Brussells, Seneffe, and Crealys-Namur) 2 university hospitals (Saint-Luc Brussels and Mont-Godinne) Support in promoting and realizing local and/or regional partnerships RESEARCH IN DIAGNOSTIC WITHIN THE LOUVAIN ACADEMIC DISTRICT TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORMS... Research teams benefit from outstanding infrastructures and technological equipments in the fields of health and biotechnology, many of which can be used in collaborative projects with the industry. Examples of equipments in the diagnostic domain are : Proteomic platforms and protein analyses : complementarily divided among the Woluwe, Louvain-la-Neuve and Namur campuses, they regroup the latest equipment in mass spectrometry. Platform for Applied Molecular Technologies : specialized in the development and validation of molecular and genetic methods and tools in the domain of diagnostic and prognostic in cancer, pharmacogenetics and infectious diseases. Microarray platform : the method combines PCR amplification and labeling of target sequences for diagnostic and prognostic purposes by using micro-arrays specific for certain pathological (infection, cancer, inflammation...) or physiological states (ageing...). COMPETENCES AND RESOURCES... Besides those technological platforms, the competences and resources found in the laboratories of the Louvain academic district in diagnostic are wide and range from immunological and genetic diagnostic to clinical trials. For instance : Research associating microelectronic and biotechnology to develop microsensors for the detection of pathogens. Research dedicated to the discovery of biomarkers in various fields : Cancerology / Cardiovascular diseases / Renal pathologies / Nervous disorders / Rhumatology / Etc... Several biobanks supplied through close collaborations between university hospital clinicians and researchers : Vascular anomalies / Cancers of various types / Cord blood / Bone bank / Etc... A broad expertise in bioinformatics : Molecular modeling / Biostatistical analyses / Meta-analyses engines / Evolutionary databases / Etc... SPIN-OFFS... The Louvain academic district has fostered several spin offs, specialized in diagnostic and/or bio-informatics (Coris Bioconcept, DNAlytics...) TTO, Biotech-Santé Dr. Marlène Dubuisson marlene.dubuisson@uclouvain.be TTO, Biotech-Santé Dr. Fabienne Roussel fabienne.roussel@fundp.ac.be proteomic, microarrays, biosensors, biomarkers, biobanks, bioinformatics, etc. Coris Bioconcept, DNAlytics Académie Louvain Contacts Dr. Marlène Dubuisson TTO, Biotech-Santé marlene.dubuisson@uclouvain.be Dr. Fabienne Roussel TTO, Biotech-Santé fabienne.roussel@fundp.ac.be

28 Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Bruxelles 1/2 The "Académie Wallonie Bruxelles" (AWB) brings together two member institutions : Université de Mons (UMONS) and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Both universities collaborate for teaching activities, with many joint courses among which molecular biology and biotechnology, management-oriented informatics,...), but they also work together in research activities (research project and centers, "pôles d'excellence", joint technological platforms). AWB aims to be a key actor in the intellectual, social and economic development of its Region. One of its goals is to achieve a better international visibility; with this prospect AWB is developing numerous partnerships with the Universities of Lille and Valenciennes with the aim to progressively build up with Northern France a pole of European scale strength. AWB offers a set of services for companies : 5 science parks (Mons, Charleroi, Bruxelles, Nivelles, Enghien) Research centers, among which Immune Health and Materia Nova 7 university hospitals (Erasme, Institut Bordet, CHU Brugmann, CHU Saint-Pierre, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola (HUDERF), CHU de Charleroi, CHU Tivoli) A Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging Technology Transfer Offices for promoting and facilitating the set-up of collaborative research projects as well as the technology transfer between companies and embers of AWB. RESEARCH IN DIAGNOSTIC WITHIN THE ACADÉMIE WALLONIE-BRUXELLES TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORMS... Research teams from AWB benefit from outstanding infrastructures and technological equipments in the fields of health and biotechnology, many of which can be used in collaborative projects with the industry. Examples of skills useful in the diagnostic domain are : Platforms for microscopy and molecular imaging : Electron Microscopy, in vitro Automation and Quantitative Morphometry, Holographic Microscopy, in vitro live imaging (real-time) Microscopy, in vitro Image Stream (flow cytometry), in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging, in vivo µpet/ct Imaging (tomography), in vivo Optics Imaging (bio- and fluoluminescence), Immunohistochemistry, Autoradiography. Platforms for proteomics and protein analysis : Biochemistry and proteomics analysis (qualitative and quantitative), protein characterization and purification. The Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires (IBMM), located on the Charleroi Campus (Gosselies Aeropole), brings together 250 researchers from the Faculties of Sciences and of Medicine of ULB and specializes in education and world famed research in molecular biology. The Institut d'immunologie Médicale (IMI), a research institute from ULB Faculty of Medicine located on the Charleroi Campus (Gosselies Aeropole) with the support of the Région Wallonne and GSK Biologicals, is a platform dedicated to the development of new concepts for the treatment of human diseases. diagnostic and/or bio-informatics : Biotech Tools, DNAVision, etc. Académie Wallonie-Bruxelles ULB - Campus de Parentville Rue de Villers Charleroi Belgium Contacts Dr. Marlène Genlain UMONS, Administration et Valorisation de la Recherche marlene.genlain@umons.ac.be Dr. Patrick Di Stefano ULB-TTO patrick.di.stefano@ulb.ac.be

29 Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Bruxelles 2/2 COMPETENCES AND RESOURCES... Besides those technological platforms, the competences and resources found in the laboratories of the Académie Wallonie- Bruxelles in the diagnostic field are wide. For instance : Research dedicated to the discovery of new biomarkers : Oncology, FSHD Dystrophy, Diabetes, Celiac disease, Tuberculosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer Disease, Inflammatory Diseases,... Molecular Biology expertise : cloning, sequencing, in vitro transcription/translation, protein expression, targeted inhibition of messenger RNA, phage display, high-throughput screening,... Toxicology and metabonomics : predictive toxicology; analysis of the drug-induced metabolic perturbations,... Bioinformatics Bio-signaling and signal treatment : medical images analysis (IRM...) and physiologic signaling analysis Biomechanics and bio-optics : bio-modelization and bio-design, development of prosthesis and medical devices Bioprocess : analysis and optimization of biochemical processes. Production of radiotracers. Bioelectrochimical skills : electrochemical analysis of molecules having a pharmaceutical interest,... Development of biosensors : new biosensors using the ATR-IR technology,... Molecular modelization Biobanks : e.g., Bordet Institute owns an important cancer tissue bank. SPIN-OFFS... The Académie Wallonie Bruxelles has fostered several spin offs, specialized in diagnostic and/or bio-informatics : Biotech Tools, DNAVision,... UMONS, Administration et Valorisation de la Recherche Dr. Marlène Genlain marlene.genlain@umons.ac.be ULB-TTO Dr. Patrick Di Stefano patrick.di.stefano@ulb.ac.be Académie Wallonie-Bruxelles ULB - Campus de Parentville Rue de Villers Charleroi Belgium Contacts Dr. Marlène Genlain UMONS, Administration et Valorisation de la Recherche marlene.genlain@umons.ac.be Dr. Patrick Di Stefano ULB-TTO patrick.di.stefano@ulb.ac.be

30 Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Europe The Wallonia-Europe University Academy has three university sites that are part of the University of Liège : Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech and Arlon. The offer of courses and research is among the most diversified in French-speaking Belgium (including in veterinary science). There are more than 18,000 students, 2,800 teachers-researchers, and 3,500 scientific publications a year. Life sciences are one of the major strengths of the Wallonia-Europe Academy, and include : the Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA) [Interdisciplinary Applied Genoproteomic Group], a research centre with 550 people, physically based within the University Hospital of Liège. GIGA offers companies a whole variety of services : research, leading-edge technological platforms, training and accommodation for companies. the Centre d Ingénierie des Protéines (CIP) [Protein Engineering Centre] and its protein production and purification platform. the Centre de Recherche du Cyclotron (CRC) [Cyclotron Research Centre], has two multimodal imaging platforms. One of them is designed for studies on rodents (PET, CT, MRI), while the other one is for human studies (PET, fmri 3T, EEG). A GMP/GLP laboratory producing PET radiopharmaceuticals completes the range of equipment. Its interdisciplinary team is renowned worldwide for its expertise in medical imaging. The Wallonia-Europe Academy is the gateway to the cross-border regions of the Meuse-Rhine Euregio (Maastricht, Aachen) and the Greater Region (Saarland, Luxembourg, Metz, Nancy). It is situated at the heart of a large, highly dynamic European space in the domain of life sciences, which includes 300 specialised companies and 130 research units in the Meuse-Rhine Euregio alone. The Wallonia-Europe Academy also has partner infrastructures such as : 2 science parks (Liège Science Park and Crealys) the university hospital, CHU Liège, spread over 6 sites (Sart Tilman, N.D. des Bruyères, Ourthe-Amblève, Polycliniques Brull, Sauvenière and Aywaille), and its university services established in partner hospitals (CHR Citadelle, Centre hospitalier du Bois de l Abbaye). Its unique proximity to GIGA favours a close collaboration with the latter and facilitates the setting up o f translational research projects a Company-University Interface responsible for promoting and facilitating the setting up of collaborative research projects, the negotiation of licence agreements, etc., between companies and the University of Liège. The University of Liège is behind the creation of many spin-off companies active in the domain of diagnosis, such as : Eurogentec, ZenTech, Progenosis, DNAVision Agrifood, Biocode (now I.D.S.), Progenus, Probiox, etc. Senior Manager Project and Business Development Ir. Isabelle Rausin i.rausin@ulg.ac.be Technology transfer officer, Life Sciences Eric Feller e.feller@ulg.ac.be Eurogentec, ZenTech, Progenosis, DNAVision Agrifood, Biocode (now I.D.S.), Progenus, Probiox, etc. Wallonia-Europe University Academy Contacts Ir. Isabelle Rausin Senior Manager Project and Business Development i.rausin@ulg.ac.be Eric Feller Technology transfer officer, Life Sciences e.feller@ulg.ac.be