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Biotech company Nouscom was founded in Basel in 2015 and develops next-generation cancer vaccines. Results from early clinical trials are promising and oncology studies demonstrate that the Nouscom platform is safe and shows biological activity and initial signs of clinical efficacy – for example, in Lynch syndrome carriers. People affected have a hereditary genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of cancer.

The technology is based on proprietary viral vectors encoded with cancer neoantigens – mutations that are expressed only in cancer cells. The vaccine is administered via an injection into the muscle. This combination of platform and targeted antigen selection has been shown to generate specific, strong, broad-based and long-lasting immune responses that correlate with clinical efficacy in cancer patients.

Superior to previous vaccine concepts, this form of immunotherapy specifically trains the body’s immune system against tumor cells. However, the path from the initial idea to approval is long and costly. “Ten years of clinical research are only possible if you have reliable funding,” explains CEO Marina Udier, who has worked at Nouscom since 2016.

The extent to which financial resources influence the biotech industry was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic: numerous investments were made in research, and new companies were founded.

However, one fact remains for companies across the board: investors who were previously accustomed to rapid progress encountered the complex and very meticulous processes that are common in science. That was a learning effect that ultimately benefitted the entire industry – and changed investment behavior at the same time. Today, capital is increasingly flowing into more advanced, technologically validated projects, rather than into early-stage, high-risk ventures.

Marina Udier is satisfied with how things have developed so far: “Our research demonstrates clear progress – this was made possible by several successful rounds of financing. We experienced the largest private funding round in 2023. Many companies were not this fortunate: they had to downsize or close down completely.”

Investors in biotech companies naturally set their sights on success – but not the quick kind, as Marina Udier emphasizes. Instead, they are interested in a long-term commitment and are confident the company has lasting potential.

Alongside genuine prospects of success, investors must have confidence in the close, constructive collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Our company headquarters is located in Basel, though we have an international presence and engage with a variety of stakeholders. This makes our work challenging, but also inherently agile,” explains Marina Udier. She adds: “Our team consciously focuses on what it does well: strategically deploying resources and activities, generating high-quality data – and ensuring that this data is visible and taken into account.”

Marina Udier was already working in the pharmaceutical industry and as a consultant before she took on the role as CEO – but it was her work at Nouscom that truly inspired her: “I see the impact our work has – for example, in the fight against Lynch syndrome, a condition causing those affected to have an increased risk of colon cancer, stomach cancer and other types of cancer.”

Statistically speaking, in Switzerland the condition currently affects one in 279 people – this corresponds to around 32,000 people nationwide. Underdiagnosis affects between 5% and 10% of them, while 5% to 10% have not yet had a formal diagnosis. The reason for this is less as a result of insufficient medical examinations: it’s more that awareness of the disease is still too low – among professionals and patients alike. But this is starting to change: detection rates are already rising significantly thanks to improved diagnostic tools.

In the past, Lynch syndrome could only be closely monitored to detect tumors as early as possible. “With NOUS-209, for the first time it is possible to intercept tumor cells before they develop into a tumor mass,” reports Marina Udier. She is particularly happy that she repeatedly has the chance to have direct contact with those affected and experience the impact of her work firsthand. “Seeing the impact of our research means a lot to me,” she says.

As CEO, Marina Udier knows how much care Nouscom devotes to selecting its non-scientific partners – including its choice of bank. “Biotech companies act quickly and on a global scale, so our bank has to support us in this endeavor. We chose �۶���Ƶ because they really understand how we work. It’s only when our client advisor understands what drives us and what we need that they can create genuine added value, such as through new collaborations and relevant contacts. I particularly appreciate how well established and connected �۶���Ƶ is. Having a strategic exchange is extremely valuable to us and shows that there is very little they cannot help with or find a suitable solution for,” explains Marina Udier. And indeed, the �۶���Ƶ corporate client team in Basel has specialized in understanding the life sciences ecosystem to create even more synergies. This allows everyone to benefit from the knowledge of other smart minds, and by working together real innovations can take shape.