Debiopharm Research & Manufacturing has announced an investment of over CHF 30 million in a Martigny lab expansion as staff numbers rise from 150 to 200 in a year.
The pharmaceutical sector in Valais is set for a boost as Debiopharm Research & Manufacturing (Debiopharm) unveils plans for a new Innovation building in Martigny. This major investment comes in tandem with a 33% growth in its workforce in the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by dignitaries such as Christophe Darbelley, President of the Valais State Council, and representatives from the Valais School of Engineering. The new building, which represents an investment of over CHF 30 million, strengthens Debiopharm’s ongoing CHF 150 million initiative started in 2000. These investments have largely been directed towards renovating laboratories and modernizing the production plant.
The plant’s primary product, triptorelin, a proven treatment for conditions such as prostate and breast cancer, as well as precocious puberty, is prescribed in over 90 countries. Thierry Mauvernay, President, and Managing Director of Debiopharm, stated: “We channel over 90% of our revenues back into innovation, and our ambition extends beyond cancer treatment to the cure of cancer.”
Designed to meet current environmental standards, the new four-story Innovation building will span 2,400 square meters. The facility will be a hub for pioneering oncology research, further bolstering Debiopharm’s reputation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Rapid expansion and groundbreaking innovations
Recent growth at Debiopharm’s Martigny site has been meteoric. Cédric Sager, CEO of Debiopharm Research & Manufacturing, remarked on the hiring spree, saying: “In the space of a year, we have taken on more than 50 new employees.” The company projects that its expansion efforts will continue in the coming years, with a significant portion of the new recruits focusing on research and development.
The company’s dedication to innovation in oncology is evidenced through its collaborations and research breakthroughs. Its collaboration with the HES-SO Valais-Wallis has led to the development of two promising cancer-fighting technologies, Multilink™ and AbYlink™. Clinical trials using these groundbreaking techniques are set to commence as early as next year.
Further strengthening its research credentials, Debiopharm recently committed CHF 1.1 million to a partnership with The School of Engineering’s Institute of Life Science Technologies. This collaboration aims to develop therapeutic conjugates targeting cancer cells, a testament to Debiopharm’s commitment to innovative treatments that minimize side effects.
Source: GGBa
Picture: Debiopharm