BioLamina Establishes Operations in Flemingsberg – A Key Player in ATMP Development
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.
A Growing Arts and Cultural Scene in Flemingsberg
As Flemingsberg transforms into a city, a vibrant and dynamic arts and cultural scene is essential. Last spring, for the first time, over thirty individuals active in the cultural sector with ties to Flemingsberg gathered. This marked the starting point for a growing cultural cluster within one of Sweden’s largest urban development projects.
Agnes Török: A Voice for Performance Poetry & Reading Promotion
With roots in Sweden and an international career, Agnes Török has established themselves as one of the most engaging voices in modern poetry. Agnes Török is Sweden’s Reading Ambassador, a spoken word poet, and an author. Recently, they were also appointed as the lead instructor for the new university program in Performance Poetry and Storytelling at The Stockholm University College of Music Education (SMI).
GameHub Flemingsberg: A New Initiative to Create the Gaming Cluster of the Future
The Flemingsberg Science Foundation is launching a business development program in collaboration with Drivhuset Stockholm, associated partners, and Södertörn University as a first step in establishing a gaming cluster in Flemingsberg. The project, named GameHub, aims to facilitate the creation of new gaming companies and strengthen Flemingsberg’s position as a center for game development.
Södertörn University Invests in Social Innovation for Youth in Flemingsberg
Södertörn University has announced that they have been granted funding from the Swedish ESF Council to establish a competence center for social innovation. Flemingsberg continues its development as an innovation hub as researchers, students, and various stakeholders engage in efforts to combat social and economic vulnerability among young people in Södertörn.
