#BIOSPAIN2025 | “BIOSPAIN is a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and Spanish biotechnology.”

R&D innovation centers have consolidated their position as strategic spaces to transform the biotechnology ecosystem and accelerate the arrival of new therapies to patients. From its R&D center in Sant Feliu de Llobregat —the only one in Europe dedicated exclusively to medical dermatology— to the creation in 2024 of the Almirall Innovation Hub The Hive, the company has embraced an open innovation model that promotes collaboration among startups, biotechs, academia, and leading research centers.

In this environment, the combination of scientific talent, advanced infrastructure, and multidisciplinary alliances makes it possible to explore new research hypotheses and access cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence applied to drug discovery or mRNA-based therapies. All with a common goal: to drive disruptive advances in medical dermatology and improve patients’ lives.

As a Gold Sponsor of BIOSPAIN 2025, Almirall reinforces its commitment to a collaborative ecosystem that connects talent, science, and technology to accelerate the arrival of innovative solutions to patients.

AseBio. How important are R&D Innovation Centers for Almirall within the current biotechnology ecosystem?

Marc Soriano. Our R&D center in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, the only one in Europe dedicated exclusively to medical dermatology, is also strategic for the company and an example of how sustained investment in science and technology can transform the treatment of skin diseases. Moreover, since we launched the Almirall Innovation Hub The Hive at the end of 2024, we have succeeded in creating a collaborative ecosystem where researchers from biotechs, startups, and academia can work alongside our scientists, fostering the generation of new ideas and innovative therapies. And this is a fantastic incubator that nurtures all of us who participate in this hub.

AseBio. From your perspective, what are the main challenges and opportunities these centers face in Spain?

Marc Soriano. Spain has a very solid scientific ecosystem, although it is true that innovation centers face challenges such as agile access to new technologies and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, which are key for research and innovation. At the same time, there are enormous opportunities: the combination of local talent, advanced infrastructure, and a consolidated pharmaceutical industry makes it possible to accelerate research and bring innovative therapies to patients more quickly.

AseBio. How does collaboration between academia, research centers, biotechs, and the pharmaceutical industry drive the generation of new hypotheses and access to cutting-edge technologies?

Marc Soriano. From my point of view, collaboration is essential to drive innovation in our sector. At Almirall, we work closely with universities, hospitals, and leading research centers such as the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), and IRB Barcelona. These alliances allow us to combine clinical and scientific knowledge with advanced technological capabilities, such as artificial intelligence applied to drug discovery or new therapeutic modalities like mRNA-based therapies. Thanks to this collaborative ecosystem, we can generate new research hypotheses and access cutting-edge technologies that accelerate the development of innovative solutions in medical dermatology. In short, collaboration allows us to go beyond what we could achieve individually, enhancing the positive impact on patients’ lives.

AseBio. What role do innovation hubs play in the transformation of the healthcare sector and the acceleration of new therapy development?

Marc Soriano. Innovation hubs, such as the Almirall Innovation Hub “The Hive,” are true catalysts of the sector’s transformation. By promoting multidisciplinary cooperation, these spaces enable the generation of new ideas, accelerate research, and develop innovative therapies more efficiently. The incorporation of new companies such as ADmit Therapeutics and Microomics, along with current members ZeClinics and Centrient Pharmaceuticals, strengthens this open innovation approach, facilitating knowledge transfer and access to cutting-edge technologies.
This hub is part of our long-term innovation strategy and reflects our commitment to patients and the continuous improvement of healthcare. Thanks to this collaborative environment, we drive scientific advances that have a tangible impact both on clinical practice and on people’s quality of life. Ultimately, innovation hubs allow us to go beyond traditional boundaries, accelerating the development of new therapies and contributing to the transformation of the healthcare sector.

AseBio. What international best practices do you think could serve as inspiration to strengthen innovation centers in our country?

Marc Soriano. We can draw inspiration from benchmark ecosystems in Europe and the United States, where active collaboration among startups, biotechs, universities, and the pharmaceutical industry is prioritized, supported by agile regulatory frameworks and access to early-stage funding. In addition, the existence of acceleration programs, international mentor networks, and specialized coworking spaces facilitates knowledge transfer and talent development.
Adopting these best practices in Spain would strengthen our innovation hubs, bringing academia closer to industry, optimizing the potential of local talent, and increasing the impact of research. Encouraging connections with international networks and promoting a culture of open collaboration would also be key to boosting competitiveness and the ability to attract investments and disruptive projects.

AseBio. How can Almirall contribute to increasing the value and impact of these innovation ecosystems?

Marc Soriano. Almirall provides experience, infrastructure, and resources. Our R&D center, with more than 260 experts and our sustained investment of more than 1 billion euros over the last decade, provide a solid foundation to collaborate with other ecosystem stakeholders, generating real solutions for patients and strengthening the pharmaceutical sector in Spain.

AseBio. Why have you decided to support BIOSPAIN 2025 and what do you expect to gain from your participation in this event?

Marc Soriano. BIOSPAIN is a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and Spanish biotechnology. Participating allows us, in addition to showcasing our commitment to innovation, to share our expertise in medical dermatology and explore partnerships that boost the development of new therapies.
We want to contribute to Spain’s strategic autonomy and accelerate the arrival of solutions that improve patients’ lives, and being in forums like this is undoubtedly a necessary springboard that all system stakeholders should make sure to include in our agendas.