AC Immune SA, a Lausanne-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering precision therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, announces that Dr Andrea Pfeifer has decided to retire from her role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AC Immune, after 23 years of tenure, at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) to spend more time with her family.

Dr Pfeifer co-founded AC Immune SA in 2003 as CEO and has shaped the company into a resilient, innovation-driven, pioneering clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Pfeifer listed the company on the Nasdaq stock exchange in 2016. She has been widely recognized for her leadership in defining global clinical development strategies linked to the prevention and disease modification of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Dr Pfeifer, Chief Executive Officer of AC Immune, commented: “It has been a great honor to serve as CEO of AC Immune together with so many dedicated and brilliant colleagues over the years, not least my co-founders. From our foundation, the evolution of the company has been driven by shared purpose and guided by strong science, clear values and integrity. I would like to thank the Board, and especially our Chair Martin Zügel, for their leadership and for allowing me to step back and retire so that I can focus on my family at this time. I will remain available to support Martin in his role as interim CEO during this transition period.”

Martin Zügel, MD, Chair of the Board of Directors and interim CEO-designate, said, “The Board and I salute the exceptional contribution Andrea has made to AC Immune and respect her decision to retire from her executive role. Throughout her tenure as CEO, Andrea has led with clarity of vision, decisive leadership, and unwavering integrity, consistently championing the company’s long-term potential. She leaves behind a highly capable organization, well-positioned to deliver transformative therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. With three Precision Prevention candidates for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s already in the clinic and strategic partnerships with Eli Lilly, Takeda and Johnson & Johnson, the company is entering its next phase from a position of real strength. We are confident that as the pipeline matures, Andrea’s impact will become even more evident.”

AC Immune’s Board of Directors has appointed the Chair, Dr Martin Zügel, to serve as interim CEO while the ongoing search for a permanent successor continues. Dr Pfeifer will be engaged as an Advisor to facilitate the transition and will be appointed as Honorary Chair of the Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board. The Board appointed a leading industry consultant to conduct the CEO search.

Source: Press Release | ©AC Immune, Dr Andrea Pfeifer

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Bewe Lab and Perivision are among the four companies selected by Canton de Vaud and the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) to join a new programme to help companies boost their projects with artificial intelligence and data science. The goal is to establish artificial intelligence as a key part of the Vaud economy.

Bewe Lab: gamification to tackle addictive behaviors

Based in Epalinges, the UNIFR spinoff Bewe Lab is addressing a complex and often overlooked challenge: understanding and managing compulsive behaviors. The startup has developed a gamified mobile application capable of estimating cravings—such as those linked to obesity or addiction—by analysing users’ reaction times. These subtle behavioral signals provide valuable insights into the intensity and evolution of compulsive urges. Through its collaboration with the SDSC, Bewe Lab aims to refine its data analysis models, improving the accuracy and clinical relevance of its predictions. The project brings together partners from hospitals, health insurers, and the medtech sector, reflecting a broader trend toward integrated, data-driven care pathways. Ultimately, the ambition is clear: enable earlier intervention and more personalized support for patients, using tools that are both accessible and scalable.

Perivision: advancing glaucoma care with AI powered diagnostics

Also based in Epalinges, Perivision is tackling another major public health issue: glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The company has developed an innovative platform that uses virtual reality headsets to measure how the disease affects a patient’s visual field. This approach provides clinicians with more precise and functional insights than traditional methods. With support from the SDSC, Perivision is now working to enhance its predictive capabilities by integrating and analysing clinical data from patients treated at the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital. The goal is to improve early detection and monitoring—key factors in slowing disease progression and preserving vision.

A broader ecosystem driving innovation

These two projects are part of a wider programme backed by the Canton of Vaud, which has committed CHF 7.5 million between 2024 and 2028 to foster collaborative innovation in data science. The initiative reflects a clear strategy: support practical, scalable AI solutions, encourage collaboration between startups, academia, and public institutions. And furthermore, anchor data-driven innovation within the regional economy. The strong response to the call for projects—57 submissions across sectors such as healthcare, energy, and industry—also highlights the growing interest in leveraging data as a strategic asset. The four selected projects, Bewe Lab, Perivision, BOBST Mex Sa and the Department of Digital Technology and Information Systems (DGNSI) will get up to CHF 125,000 in financial support, the expertise of SDSC data scientists and engineers and 12 months of support to bring their project to fruition.

Source: SDSC Press Release | ©BioAlps, Bewe, Perivision, SDSC

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Geneva-based startup Immitra Bio has been selected as one of the latest winners of the InnoBooster programme, supported by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung. This CHF 150,000 grant will be used to build a scalable in-vivo gene-editing platform to make genetic therapies accessible to all patients, regardless of where they live or their financial means.

Founded in January 2025 as an ETH Zurich spinoff, Immitra Bio was born out of the lab of Jacob Corn, one of the pioneers of CRISPR-Cas genome editing. The startup is tackling one of the field’s most pressing bottlenecks: scalability. Most gene therapies today are developed ex vivo — cells are extracted, manipulated, and reinjected — a complex, costly process often requiring prior chemotherapy, which can leave patients immunocompromised. The price tag frequently runs into hundreds of thousands of francs per patient, putting these treatments out of reach for the vast majority.

Immitra Bio’s ambition is to replace this multi-month process with a single injection capable of durably correcting a genetic defect directly in vivo. The platform is already being applied to four therapeutic programmes: three blood disorders, including sickle cell disease — which affects around 400,000 people in North America and Europe yet has reached fewer than 150 patients with approved gene therapy — and one neurological condition.

The team, which will soon count five employees, is headquartered at FONGIT in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. A pre-seed funding round involving the ETH Foundation, FONGIT, and private investors is currently being finalised, with clinical trials targeted for late 2028 or early 2029.

Immitra Bio has also been selected for the 2026 Venture Leaders Biotech programùe, joining the Swiss National Startup Team for a Boston roadshow from 31 May to 5 June 2026.

Source: Gebert Rüf Stiftung | © Immitra Bio, the company’s team.

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HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis (Ticino) and Biodelphis Therapeutics (Vaud) announced the signing of a strategic agreement to support the development and GMP manufacturing of Antibody Protease Inhibitor Conjugates, an emerging class of targeted therapeutics designed to selectively inhibit disease‑driving proteases.

This collaboration combines HAS Group long‑standing expertise in complex bioconjugation, process development, and clinical‑grade manufacturing with Biodelphis Therapeutics’ pioneering APIC platform, a novel drug modality engineered to deliver highly selective protease inhibition directly to diseased tissues.

Under the agreement, the two companies will work closely to accelerate the transition of first‑in‑class APIC candidates from early development into robust, scalable manufacturing processes. The partnership aims to strengthen the path toward clinical evaluation by integrating Biodelphis’ innovative therapeutic design with HAS/Cerbios’ proven capabilities in high‑quality bioconjugate production.

About HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis Group

HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis is part of the HAS Group in Ticino, an integrated CDMO platform established in 2025 through the acquisition of Cerbios‑Pharma SA. The Group has complementary capabilities in chemical and biological development, specializing in APIs, HPAPIs, anticancer compounds, linker‑payloads, and ADCs.

About Biodelphis Therapeutics

Biodelphis Therapeutics is a Swiss biotech startup,  based in Lausanne that develops next‑generation protease‑targeting medicines using its proprietary Antibody‑Peptide Inhibitor Conjugate (APIC) technology. Spun out of EPFL, the company focuses on creating highly selective, cell‑targeted protease inhibitors designed to overcome the toxicity and specificity limitations of traditional small‑molecule approaches. Its APICore platform enables rapid design and optimization of potent peptide inhibitors that are activated only within intended cells, such as tumor cells, improving both efficacy and safety. Biodelphis is advancing a preclinical pipeline of first‑in‑class candidates targeting cathepsin proteases for oncology, bone health, and autoimmune diseases, with lead programs in lung adenocarcinoma and osteoporosis.

Source: Press Release | Aaron Simone Petruzzella, Founder of Biodelphis Therapeutics, and Riccardo Braglia, Chairman of HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis, both at Swiss Biotech Day 2026. ©Biodelphis Therapeutics

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Switzerland’s biotech sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, even in a complex global environment. According to the latest Swiss Biotech Report 2026, the industry reached new heights in 2025—both in terms of revenue and investment—further strengthening the country’s position as a global life sciences powerhouse.

Record performance in a challenging context

The numbers speak for themselves. Total biotech revenues climbed to a record CHF 7.5 billion, while overall funding increased to CHF 2.6 billion, up from CHF 2.1 billion the previous year. This growth is particularly notable given the ongoing uncertainties in global capital markets.

A key driver of this momentum has been the surge in private investment. Privately held biotech companies raised CHF 1.15 billion, a 38% increase year-on-year, now representing 45% of total funding. This shift highlights the growing importance of private capital and international investors in supporting innovation.

Unlisted companies, in particular, raised 1.15 billion, compared with 833 million a year earlier, bringing their share of the total to 45%. This surge was led by Basel-based Windward Bio (186 million), followed by Zurich-based GlycoEra (104 million) and Vaud-based Orbis Medicines (84 million).

Talent and international collaboration at the core

The report highlights “talent and tenacity” as defining characteristics of the Swiss biotech sector. Employment in biotech R&D companies has now surpassed 21,000 full-time equivalents, reflecting sustained growth and the country’s ability to attract highly skilled professionals.

International collaboration also plays a central role. Strategic partnerships and licensing deals—often worth hundreds of millions—are becoming increasingly common, reinforcing Switzerland’s position as a global innovation partner.

A sector shaping the Swiss economy

Beyond biotech alone, the broader chemical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries accounted for 53% of Switzerland’s total exports in 2025. Notably, immunological products such as vaccines, cell therapies, and therapeutic proteins reached a record 20% share.

This underscores the strategic importance of life sciences not only for innovation, but also for the Swiss economy as a whole.

Swiss Biotech Report 2025 | ©Canva Library

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Two research groups from Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) and Université de Genève (UNIGE) have been awarded the 2026 Leenaards Foundation Scientific Prize, with total funding of nearly CHF 1.4 million. The award supports two biomedical research projects conducted in the Lake Geneva region, focusing respectively on hepatitis E and an innovative, non-invasive approach to restoring cognitive function.

Decoding the hepatitis E virus

The first project is led by clinical virologist Isabella Eckerle (HUG / UNIGE), in collaboration with virologist Jérôme Gouttenoire (CHUV / UNIL) and epidemiologist Andrew Azman (HUG / UNIGE).

Their research focuses on genotype 1 of the Hepatitis E virus (HEV-1), which infects more than 20 million people worldwide each year. The disease causes at least 44,000 deaths annually in Africa and Asia, with particularly high mortality rates among pregnant women.

Despite its global impact, treatment options remain limited.
“Our goal is to rapidly identify antiviral candidates so that, in the event of an outbreak, we can provide effective treatments for patients with severe forms of the disease,” explains Isabella Eckerle.

Brain stimulation: a non-invasive breakthrough

The second project is led by neuroscientist Elena Beanato (HUG), in collaboration with Friedhelm Christoph Hummel (EPFL / UNIGE) and Pierre Mégevand (HUG).

The interdisciplinary team is exploring a cutting-edge technique known as transcranial temporal interference stimulation, designed to modulate activity in deep brain regions—particularly the hippocampus—without the need for surgery.

The clinical need is significant: following even mild traumatic brain injury, around 15% of patients experience persistent cognitive impairments beyond six months.

“Simple tasks such as navigating a city, finding one’s way, or remembering familiar routes can become extremely challenging,” explains Elena Beanato.

Current treatment options remain limited, making this non-invasive approach a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes.

Supporting high-impact translational research

Each year, the Leenaards Scientific Prize supports two to three projects in translational biomedical research, with funding of up to CHF 1.4 million. The 2026 edition followed a competitive call for proposals, attracting 27 applications from six institutions.

Source: Press Release | ©Leenards Foundation

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planetary, a Geneva-based startup developing sustainable food ingredients through fermentation, has secured a CHF 16 million Series A funding round, complemented by CHF 6 million in credit. Over the last few month, the startup raises nearly CHF 34 million. The new financing will support the expansion of its fermentation infrastructure and the development of its licensing platform.

The round was led by Radikal Capital and Oetker Ventures, with participation from a strong group of investors including Royal Cosun, arc investors, Green Generation Fund, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, Astanor Ventures, XAnge, and others.

Cofounder and CEO David Brandes highlighted the broader context of the raise:

“Raising capital outside AI and defense now requires far more focus and resilience than it did just a few years ago. Yet recent geopolitical turmoil and commodity volatility only strengthen the case for a sovereign, circular, and high-quality food system: stay the course and hold the line, nothing worth building comes easy.”

He added:

“Planetary will selectively engage with mission-aligned investors interested in participating in a second closing of the round, planned for later this summer”.

A dual business model

planetary operates a two-pronged business model. On one side, it produces and sells mycoprotein as a B2B ingredient from its Swiss facility, co-located with a sugar mill. On the other, it licenses its BioBlocks fermentation platform globally, enabling agricultural partners to transform low-value side streams into high-value ingredients.

This approach reflects a strategic focus on controlling the value chain. As Brandes explained:

“Category leaders controlling the full value chain… are emerging as the winners. We have seen companies failing due to multi-party dependencies and too little self-control.”

He emphasized the importance of infrastructure ownership in achieving cost competitiveness:

“The production infrastructure needs to be owned or co-owned or at least exclusively accessible. In the food space, unit economics are everything and for bulk fermented commodities, contract manufacturing is not viable.”

Scaling sustainable protein

planetary is already bringing products to market, including a mycoprotein filet launched with ALDI Suisse at price parity with conventional chicken. The company is also supplying its ingredient under the Libre brand to partners in alternative meat, dairy, and hybrid products.

Looking ahead, planetary is exploring international expansion, including a potential collaboration with Dhampur Bio Organics in India to produce mycoprotein at industrial scale.

While precision fermentation continues to attract attention, Brandes sees immediate opportunity in existing technologies:

“The precision fermentation space also holds great promise but is a field requiring further improvements in productivity, whereas biomass fermentation is economically viable at an industrial scale today.”

With its integrated platform and growing industrial capabilities, planetary aims to position itself at the forefront of the transition toward more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Source: Press Release | planetary’s team ©planetary

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Seprify and BIOGRUND have joined forces to introduce a mineral-free tablet coating solution designed specifically for nutraceutical applications. This innovation responds to both regulatory changes and growing consumer demand for simpler ingredient lists.

Moving Beyond Titanium Dioxide

For years, titanium dioxide (E171) has been widely used to achieve the bright white appearance of tablets. However, following its ban in the EU in 2022 and increasing scrutiny from consumers, manufacturers have been actively seeking effective alternatives.

The new solution integrates SilvaAlba, a plant-based cellulose ingredient developed by Seprify, a University of Fribourg (UNIFR) spinoff and based today at Marly Innovation Center (Canton of Fribourg). Derived from renewable resources, it delivers strong whitening performance while eliminating the need for mineral-based additives such as titanium dioxide or calcium carbonate.

Performance Meets Simplicity

What sets this innovation apart is its ability to combine clean-label formulation with industrial performance. SilvaAlba offers:

• High whitening efficiency
• Improved pH stability compared to mineral alternatives
• Simplified formulations with fewer ingredients
• Regulatory familiarity, as it is based on microcrystalline cellulose

By incorporating this ingredient into its ready-to-use coating systems, BIOGRUND enables manufacturers to maintain processing efficiency while transitioning to more sustainable formulations.

From Innovation to Application

BIOGRUND’s expertise in ready-made coating systems ensures that this new technology is not just theoretical—it is ready for real-world use. Nutraceutical companies can already evaluate and test these coatings, making it easier to adopt mineral-free solutions at scale.

The partnership highlights a broader trend: innovation in materials science is increasingly being translated into practical tools that manufacturers can deploy quickly and confidently.

As the demand for clean-label products continues to grow, collaborations like this one are key to bridging the gap between scientific innovation and market-ready solutions.

Source: Seprify Press Release | ©Seprify

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ONWARD Medical has successfully raised more than €40 million in a capital increase, marking a significant milestone in its mission to restore movement and independence in people with spinal cord injuries.

The financing round includes a €25 million investment from EQT Life Sciences, alongside strong support from leading institutional and sector-specialist investors. This new funding extends the company’s financial runway into early 2028 and will support the continued development and commercialization of its innovative neurostimulation therapies.

At the heart of ONWARD Medical’s technology lies a remarkable scientific journey that began in Lausanne, at CHUV (Vaud University Hospital) and UNIL (University of Lausanne). The company’s proprietary ARC Therapy is built on pioneering research conducted by Grégoire Courtine, Jocelyne Bloch, and Vincent Delattre. Their work demonstrated that targeted electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can help restore voluntary movement in individuals with paralysis—an achievement that has reshaped the field of neurorehabilitation.

Today, ONWARD Medical is translating this research into clinical and commercial solutions. Its ARC-EX® system is already cleared for use in the United States and Europe, while the implantable ARC-IM® platform is currently undergoing clinical evaluation, including applications to address blood pressure instability in spinal cord injury patients.

The newly raised capital will be used to accelerate product development, expand commercial activities across key markets, and further validate the company’s technologies through clinical studies and regulatory pathways.

This milestone underscores not only the rapid progress of ONWARD Medical as a commercial-stage company, but also the global impact of Swiss research and innovation—originating from Lausanne and now transforming lives worldwide.

Source: Press Release | ©ONWARD Medical

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The jury of the Prix Strategis selected five companies, to advance to the final round of the competition. Three of them are Swiss Health Valley projects.

Irmos Technologies AG, which develops solutions to extend the lifespan of infrastructure. Neology SA, which offers a clean alternative to diesel. Virtuosis AI, specialized in intelligent vocal biomarkers. Isospec Analytics SA, whose technology aims to improve the reliability of clinical trials. And Cria Technologies, which brings innovation to cold-chain logistics. ProSeed Ingredients SA, Twiliner AG, and Identic AI GmbH reached the semi-finals but were not selected for the final

As every year, the Prix Strategis will reward the best Swiss start-up with a CHF 40,000 prize, strong media visibility, and the opportunity to present its project before a prestigious jury as well as an audience composed of influential figures from the Swiss entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2024, HeroSupport won the prize, and in 2025 Heketiss ended

The Prix Strategis award ceremony will take place on 30 April 2026, at the Centre Patronal in Paudex. On this occasion, the jury will announce the winning start-up among the five finalists. As in the previous edition, an Audience Award will also be discerned by Agefi :participants will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite start-up among the finalists. The winners of both the Prix Strategis and the Audience Award will be announced during the ceremony.

Source: Press Release | Award Ceremony: 30 Avril 2026

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