As the world’s first and only producer of laminins, the biotechnology company BioLamina has expanded its operations and chosen to establish part of its business in Flemingsberg. Using laminins, a protein that creates an optimal environment for cells to expand and/or differentiate, they are a key player in the development of ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) in Sweden and globally.

Anders Lindblad, Head of Strategic Development at BioLamina

Cell therapy involves using cells to treat diseases and has its roots in blood transfusions, bone marrow and organ transplants, as well as IVF. The hope is that cell therapy can be used to treat currently incurable diseases in areas such as cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. However, this is a complex and relatively new field, where successful cell therapy demands high standards, including reproducibility and, most importantly, the creation of truly functional clinical cells—an area where BioLamina excels.

“BioLamina is a Swedish biotechnology company founded about 15 years ago, based on research from Karolinska Institutet. We specialize in laminins, a protein that has significantly contributed to advancements in the field in recent years and has entered clinical trials in many areas. Before BioLamina, mouse tumor extracts were used to support human stem cells, which posed safety risks and practical challenges in terms of availability,”
– Anders Lindblad, Head of Strategic Development at BioLamina.

Efficient and Quality-Assured Cell Cultivation

Laminins, found in the extracellular matrix, help recreate the natural environment for stem cells, making cell cultivation simpler and more aligned with clinical requirements. They also support high-quality cultivation with predictable results.

“Our customers are focused on meeting GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, and we aim to meet those needs. At the same time, it’s essential to keep costs manageable so our materials are viable for use in their manufacturing,” says Anders.

Why Did You Choose Flemingsberg for Your Operations?

“We saw an excellent opportunity to make good use of the high-quality existing cleanroom facilities and equipment. We’re also very pleased to have recruited some of the highly skilled personnel from XNK Therapeutics. Now that we’ve established ourselves here, it’s exciting to hopefully build new connections in the field—there are many exciting projects underway in Flemingsberg.”

How Has Establishing in Flemingsberg Impacted Your Operations So Far?

“We plan to start production next year, and it’s fantastic to see how quickly we’ve already gotten started. In Flemingsberg, we see significant benefits in being part of a cluster of actors, it creates opportunities to support each other and share experiences. There’s great potential for exciting collaborations moving forward.”

What Do You See for BioLamina’s Future? Where Will You Be in 10 Years?

“Our vision and goal are to become a leading player in cell culture reagents. I think we’re on the right track, and in 10 years, I hope we’ll at least be halfway there,” concludes Anders.