Originating in the United States, KBI Biopharma has solidified its European presence in Geneva, leveraging the region’s rich academic and biomanufacturing ecosystem.
KBI Biopharma, a prominent player in the CDMO industry (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), specializes in developing and manufacturing a wide range of biologics. The company’s operations focus on leveraging mammalian cell line development technologies to advance drug development from initial cell line creation to full-scale commercial manufacturing. KBI Biopharma is known for its expertise in handling complex biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and other proteins that require precise, high-quality production processes. The company aims to enhance drug development efficiency and scalability, providing comprehensive services from their state-of-the-art facilities.
Originating in the United States, KBI Biopharma has expanded its global reach by tapping into Western Switzerland’s robust academic and biotechnological network to significantly enhance its capabilities in microbial and mammalian technologies.
The decision to establish activities int Geneva in 2020 was strategic. The site was chosen to leverage the advantages offered by the local talent pool and the region’s well-known academic institutions. “The location that was chosen, being Geneva in Switzerland, was mainly influenced by the fact that KBI is part of the JSR Corporation network,” explained Alberto Garotti, Senior Vice President at KBI. This move aligns with the company’s strategy to provide comprehensive one-stop-shop capabilities, including cell line development, process development, analytical services, and cGMP manufacturing for both clinical and commercial scales.
Since establishing its facility, KBI Biopharma has successfully completed several cGMP manufacturing batches without failure, showcasing its advanced technological platform and skilled workforce. “As of now, 200 employees are based in the Geneva facility,” Garotti added, highlighting the rapid operational ramp-up and the successful integration into the local biotech landscape.
KBI’s Geneva site is not just a mere production facility, as it facilitates KBI’s integration of complex biotechnological innovations into practical applications, which further adds to the region’s reputation as a global biomanufacturing hub.
The facility’s focus on harnessing cutting-edge biotechnologies and its strategic location allow KBI Biopharma to enhance its service offerings significantly, impacting global health outcomes positively. “We look forward to continuing them in the future,” concluded Garotti, optimistic about KBI’s role in advancing next-generation biotechnologies from their strategic Geneva base.
