#BIOSPAIN2023 Interview | "The biotechnology sector in Spain presents a very dynamic landscape in terms of innovation."

We are witnessing a true revolution in biomedical research. Nearly 70% of the drugs in development worldwide are biotechnological or rely on a deep understanding of molecular, genetic, or cellular biology for their innovation. Biotechnology has enabled significant advances that enhance and safeguard people's lives and health, as recently demonstrated with the development of vaccines against Covid-19, as well as the emergence of new treatments based on cellular therapy, genetics, or new technological platforms such as radiotherapeutics (RLT, Radio Ligand Therapy).

Biotechnology is a deep tech industry (companies developing disruptive solutions based on advanced science, engineering, or bioinformatics technologies to address global issues) that is transforming the world through investment in disruptive ideas applied to the most critical social domains today, such as health, sustainability, and the advancement of science.

It's also important to highlight that biomedicine plays an essential role in this revolution towards improving people's lives. Biomedical research focuses on understanding and addressing the medical and clinical aspects of diseases, including the development of more precise diagnostics, effective therapies, and prevention strategies. Biomedicine works closely with biotechnology to apply scientific advances to improve human health and well-being. Together, biotechnology and biomedicine are driving a significant shift in how we approach and treat diseases, improving people's quality of life and opening new perspectives in medicine and public health.

ESTEVE, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs, has shown a clear commitment to biomedical innovation from its inception, driven by its unwavering dedication to improving people's lives and health.

Historically, ESTEVE's R&D model has focused on the discovery of new molecules through basic research and their preclinical development, mainly in the area of analgesia. In 2020, ESTEVE began a gradual evolution of this model towards a more clinical development-oriented approach for new molecules, supported by a research model based on collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability. In partnership with the Leitat technological center, WeLab was founded, a bio-incubator center of excellence in biomedicine and pharmacy located at the Barcelona Science Park (PCB). This is where the talent and capabilities in Molecular Discovery and preclinical research, originally from ESTEVE, were placed for further development and growth. Currently, ESTEVE collaborates with WeLab on various translational research initiatives in the field of analgesia.

From this initial step on the path to the culmination of its new innovation model, ESTEVE is participating as a Gold Sponsor of BIOSPAIN 2023, an internationally renowned event in the biotechnology sector to be held in Barcelona from September 26 to 28, 2023. We talk with José María Giménez Arnau, Chief Scientific & Medical Officer de ESTEVE.

AseBio: How would you define innovation?

José María Giménez Arnau. At ESTEVE, innovation is defined as the process of introducing and developing new ideas, methods, products, or services with the central goal of improving people's health, quality of life, and well-being. It involves the ability to think of novel approaches and apply that thinking to address healthcare challenges, develop safe medical and therapeutic advancements, and provide solutions that make a significant difference in healthcare and patient experiences.

The innovation that ESTEVE seeks focuses on the "what," "why," and "how". This innovation process draws from collaborations among various entities in the biotechnology field, including academia, pharmaceutical companies, technological platforms, healthcare professionals, and government entities, among others, all with the involvement of disruptive minds.

AseBio: What is the current outlook for the biotechnology sector in Spain in terms of innovation?

José María Giménez Arnau. Currently, the biotechnology sector in Spain presents a highly dynamic landscape in terms of innovation. There is constant growth, as indicated by AseBio and the Ministry of Science and Innovation in Spain, in investment in research and development (R&D) in biotechnology, along with an increase in the number of companies and projects related to this field.

Collaboration among biotechnology companies, research centers, and universities is on the rise, promoting the transfer of knowledge and innovative technologies. Examples such as BIOCAT, Barcelona Health Hub, and Tech Barcelona highlight this dynamism in a geographically networked hub connected to various global hubs specializing in biomedical R&D. Furthermore, critical situations like the recent Covid-19 pandemic have demonstrated the imperative need for cross-sector collaboration to rapidly advance in new healthcare areas affecting humanity.

AseBio: You initiated the transformation of your R&D model with the founding of WeLab and a new operating model. What did this step entail? What are its main pillars?

José María Giménez Arnau. The founding of WeLab in 2020 marked a significant milestone in ESTEVE's innovation model transformation, representing a commitment to open innovation and collaboration with other companies and centers of excellence in biomedicine and pharmacy.

WeLab became a bio-incubator and business accelerator, allowing ESTEVE to access a diverse ecosystem of entrepreneurs and scientists, as well as additional resources and knowledge in the pharmacy field. This brought about a shift towards a more agile and collaborative approach in the research and development of new medical solutions, enabling ESTEVE to focus its efforts as a pharmaceutical sponsor on developing an operational and talent model in the fields of advanced clinical development, from phase 2b to phase 4, for new drugs in specialized therapeutic areas.

AseBio: The transformation process began in 2022 with the design of a new operating model. What are its main pillars?

José María Giménez Arnau. ESTEVE's new operating model is based on several key pillars. The first is a focus on internal capabilities in the areas of advanced clinical development in specialized therapeutic areas.

The second is efficiency and sustainability within a flexible and scalable operational process.

The third is a spirit of collaboration and partnership with public and private partners that complement ESTEVE's strategic vision and share common goals in improving people's health. And fourth, it involves exploring and potentially sponsoring disruptive technological initiatives that could lead to a technological transformation in the near future.

AseBio: What are the next steps now?

José María Giménez Arnau. Currently, internally, we are focused on implementing the first two pillars. We are exploring our pipeline and external opportunities while redesigning the operational model for clinical, medical, and regulatory development in a company that is now international, multi-country, and focused on specialized therapeutic areas.

AseBio: What do you expect from your participation in BIOSPAIN?

José María Giménez Arnau. ESTEVE's presence at BIOSPAIN 2023 represents a great opportunity to explore disruptive medical research areas. It is undoubtedly a key platform to continue expanding our network of collaboration in specialized fields and technological innovation applied to biomedicine and health.

We hope that our participation in BIOSPAIN will provide us with the opportunity to connect with other key players in the international biotechnology sector. We want to share our experiences in innovation and collaboration in the biotechnology field, as well as learn from other leaders and prominent companies in the industry.

Furthermore, we expect to identify potential business partners, investors, and collaborators who can contribute to the continued growth and success of our initiatives in the biotechnology sector. BIOSPAIN provides us with a conducive environment for knowledge exchange and business opportunities.