The Biotechnology sector in Barcelona

The biotechnology
sector
in Barcelona

Edition
Barcelona City Council
Economy, Business and Employment Area
Llacuna 162
08018 Barcelona
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness

With the help of

Table of contents
Design and layout: g.grafic

D.L. (Copyright): B-11044-2012
Barcelona, January 2012

01. Barcelona, the Mediterranean’s innovation hub 05

02. 10 reasons to invest in Barcelona 06

03. The biotechnology sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 08

04. The top 10 strong points of Barcelona and Catalonia’s
biotechnology and biomedical sectors
01. The presence of large domestic pharmaceutical companies
and major international groups 10
02. Entrepreneurship and innovation in biotech and medical
technology companies 12
03. Network of leading hospitals engaged in research 14
04. Benchmark training and research centres in the life sciences field 16
05. Barcelona Science Park (PCB): where research
and innovation meet, and the country’s first bio-incubator 18
06. Barcelona’s Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a centre
for leading research groups 19
07. Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB):
research institutes and a bio-incubator 20
08. Large hospital research centres: IDIBAPS IDIBELL and VHIR 22
09. Biocat, promoting the Bioregion of Catalonia 23
10. Active government support for the biotechnology world 24

05. Links 26

01
Barcelona,
the Mediterranean’s
innovation hub

Euro-Mediterranean region
catalONIA
Barcelona

Barcelona, located in North-Eastern services, it is positioned second regarding centres and more than 400 consoli-
Spain and on the shores of the Medi- national gross value added generated dated research groups engaged in the
terranean, is one of the largest cities in (19.5% of total). Catalonia accounts for field of life sciences; excelling in areas
Europe and the centre of a vast metro- 28.2% of all Spain’s companies in indus- such as oncology, bio nano-medicine
politan region of more than 160 towns tries with high and medium high-tech and and cardiovascular disease. Catalonia
with a total population of about 5 million knowledge-based services. also boasts trained specialists that are
people. It is the economic, cultural and highly prepared for the future. Of the
administrative capital of Catalonia and Moreover, the rate of entrepreneurial twelve universities located on Catalan
the principal emerging area of economic activity in Catalonia in 2010 was 5.5%, territory, five offer bioscience studies
activity in Southern Europe, with 17 mi- higher than the Spanish and European and over 24,000 students have already
llion people and 800,000 businesses. The averages, according to the Global Entre- undergone training here.
Euro-Mediterranean region, including the preneurship Monitor (GEM) 2010.
Balearic Islands, Valencia, Aragon and 22% of Spain’s biotech companies are lo-
South Eastern France, is primarily spe- Barcelona’s international economic cated in Catalonia; while 45% of Spain’s
cialising in new strategically competitive activities are mainly driven by the Trade pharmaceutical companies are based in
international sectors, whilst consolidating Fair, the Port, Airport, the Zona Franca Catalonia, including the largest in the sec-
its position internationally as one of Consortium, Barcelona’s Tourism Consor- tor, which happen to all be Catalan firms:
Europe’s major regions. tium, Barcelona City Council and its new Almirall, Esteve Ferrer, Grifols, Lacer and
technological innovation districts. As such, Uriach. The Spanish pharmaceutical sec-
We can find the basis of economic and given the importance of innovation tor is Europe’s seventh biggest in terms
growth in metropolises with a poly- in fostering competitiveness, productivity of production volume.
centric and economically diversified and the internationalisation of companies,
business structure that facilitates and the biotechnology sector is one of the key In the last five years, according to the

The biotechnology sector in Barcelona
helps incubate new ideas, products and sectors for Barcelona and Catalonia. 2011 Biocat Report, over 450 Catalan
companies. companies (biotechnology, pharma-
Catalonia’s bio cluster is one the most ceutical, medical technology innovators
Taking into account the distribution of dynamic in Spain, which overall happens and service sectors) have experienced
gross value added across business activi- to be one of the most active areas in fluctuating growth rates between 15%
ties, Catalonia is Spain’s top autonomous southern Europe in this field. And it is es- and 30%, which, given the current
region in the industrial sector, accounting pecially active in clinical research and the economic downturn, shows the potential
for 25.2% of the total market. In terms of human health care field, with 90 research of the sector.

05

02
10 reasons to invest
in the biotechnology
sector Catalan
Barcelona offers a va- 01. Strategic Geographical Location 06. Skilled professionals prepared for the future
riety of characteristics Two hours by road from France and one day by road from the major European Catalonia has more than 25,000 researchers (7% of the working population) based in
that make it an attractive cities. The gateway to southern Europe, Barcelona boasts a major port, airport, 900 research centres, and of these there are 430 dedicated to the area of life sciences and,
free trade zone, logistics parks, an international trade fair and a city centre all on the other hand, 90 research centres dedicating around 50% of their work to the life scien-
place to live, work and ces area. Ten of Catalonia’s twelve universities –eight of these located in the metropolitan
within a radius of five kilometres
do business. The biote- area around Barcelona- offer bioscience studies: 155 courses taught with 24,000 students
chnology and biomedical 02. Extensive transport infrastructure (Biocat 2009 report). Two of Barcelona’s top four business schools -ESADE and IESE- are
among the world’s best 25. In addition, Barcelona has 34 international schools.
sector is one of the most With its network of highways connected with Europe, Barcelona has the fastest
dynamic, offering some growing European airport, Spain’s top port and the largest container port in the
Mediterranean; a comprehensive metro and bus network, and a high-speed train 07. Excellent quality of life
of the best investment infrastructure that is due to connect directly to the TGV and European network in For the 14th year running, Barcelona boasts Europe’s best quality of life for employees*. It
opportunities. 2013. has a mild climate, sun, beaches, culture, splendid leisure time and arts programmes, a net-
work of 4,500 educational institutions, modern and accessible health system. It is easy to
03. Barcelona, center of aarea dynamic
and diverse economic
large, get around on the public transport system and boasts beautiful parks that surround the city.

The city of Barcelona and its metropolitan area have a total population of 5 million
people. This city is the capital of Catalonia, one of the most dynamic regions of
08. Consolidated science parks and growth
projects
Spain, with 7.5 million inhabitants, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, a The city of Barcelona has six biotechnology-related science and technology parks (Parc
large economic area with 18 million inhabitants. Barcelona accounts for 30% Científic Barcelona, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Parc Barcelona Nord, Parc
of Catalonia’s GDP and has a growth rate of 1, 7% GDP per year (2008). It is de Recerca i Innovació de la UPC, Parc de Recerca de la UPF and 22@ Barcelona), in
Europe’s sixth biggest urban agglomeration and its fifth largest in terms of indus- addition to those in the surrounding environment: Biopol (Hospitalet), Parc Tecnològic del
try density. Catalonia has nearly 7,000 businesses working in innovation related Vallès and the Parc de Recerca de la UAB (Cerdanyola) and the newly created Parc de
activities, most of which are located in Barcelona and its surrounding area. l’Alba (in the ALBA Synchrotron environment, also in Cerdanyola) and Orbital 40 (Te-
rrassa). Lleida, Girona, Tarragona, Reus, Manresa also have science parks with activities
04. Successful foreign investment and
recognized international positioning
related to the sector.

Sixth best city for business in Europe*, Barcelona has the most foreign inves-
tment in Catalonia, which in 2010 was 3.999 billion, or 36% of all production
09. Unique research facilities
investment received by Spain. There are more than 3,400 foreign companies The Mare Nostrum Supercomputer (Barcelona Supercomputing Center BSC), the Na-
established in Catalonia, 90% of whom are located in the Barcelona area, which tional Centre for Genome Analysis (CNAG) and ALBA Synchrotron-CELLS are three of
has established itself as a centre for multinationals’ European divisions. Its qua- Europe’s benchmark research facilities that are located in Barcelona and its surrounds.
lity of life and human capital are among the most valued aspects of Barcelona BSC, supported by the Governments of Catalonia and Spain, is currently developing the
by foreign companies already set up in the city and in various other international PRACE project, which is designed to provide Barcelona with one of the most powerful su-
rankings. percomputers in Europe in 2012, and this should help develop and enhance both scientific
research centres and companies’ investigation.

05. Leading position in the Spanish and
European biopharmaceutical market 10. Unique public-private cooperation


Catalonia is home to 22% of all biotech companies in Spain and 45% of its phar- Barcelona City Council and the Government of Catalonia are committed to creating a
maceutical companies; the largest in the sector –all Catalonian- are: Almirall, Esteve favourable business environment, with the success of traditional local public-private
Ferrer, Grifols, Lacer and Uriach. The Spanish pharmaceutical sector is ranked partnerships being a key to the transformation of Barcelona to date.
seventh in Europe in terms of production volume. Catalonia also boasts 40% of
Spain’s medical technology companies, responsible for 50% of all turnover in the
sector (7.400 bn € in 2008), with 3% of this invested in R&D. *According to Cushman & Wakefield, European Cities Monitor 2011.

06 07

03
The
biotechnology
sector in
Barcelona
and Catalonia

Biotechnology is a key sector Catalonia’s bio cluster is the most services for the sector), with Type of Company in Catalonia’s This document aims to set out the underlying features of the current
dynamic in Spain, a country which growth rates fluctuating between BioRegió and future biotechnology sector in Catalonia and Barcelona under
in order to transform the
region’s current economic also happens to be one of the 15% and 30% over the last 5 years, 10 strategic reasons why:
model into a system based most active areas of southern Eu- and its 90 research centres and Fine Chemistry Bioinformatics

rope in this field. It has more than over 400 research groups excel in 01 The presence of large domestic pharmaceutical companies and
on the knowledge economy. Medical major international groups
450 sector related companies areas such as oncology, cardio- technologies
The recession that began in Food
(biotechnology, pharmaceutical, vascular disease or bio nano 3%
2008 has shown the im- 8% 02 Entrepreneurship and innovation in biotech and medical technolo-
medical innovation technology and medicine.
portance of this particular 30%
gy companies
13%
sector, especially given the 03 Network of leading hospitals engaged in research
fact that traditional industries Number of biotechnology companies in Spain
have suffered badly from the Companies fully engaged in biotechnology 399 04 Benchmark training and research centres in the life sciences field
20%
severe downturn. In 2010, Companies partly involved in biotechnology 161
26% 05 Barcelona Science Park (PCB): where research and innovation
the US biotechnology ranked Companies that use biotechnology 535
meet, and the country’s first bio-incubator
second in terms of inves- Total biotechnology companies 1,095 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
tment volume -behind the
Geographical distribution of biotechnology companies across Spain
06 Barcelona’s Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a centre for
software industry- with nearly 25%
leading research groups
$ 4 billion (3% more than 21.19% We have, therefore, a sector that 07 Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB):
in 2009) and over 450 tran- 20%
has huge potential for Barcelona research institutes and a bio-incubator
sactions closed. Emerging


15% 14.43% and Catalonia, and that has strong
12.15%
economies such as China or 10% 9.50% points and resources associated 08 Large hospital research centres: IDIBAPS IDIBELL and VHIR
8.22%
Brazil are also investing in 7.40% with its industry, research institu-
5% 09 Biocat, promoting the Bioregion of Catalonia
these sectors, with particular tions and government support – all
emphasis on the industrial 0% factors that foster innovation and 10 Active government support for the biotechnology world
and agricultural applications Catalonia Madrid Andalucia Comunitat Pais Vasco Galícia development.
valenciana
of biotechnology.
Source: Asebio 2010

08 09

04
10 principal
strengths
of Barcelona
and Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
01.
The presence Biotechnology plays a lea- In fact, Catalonia is the country-
ding role in the pharmaceuti- of-origin of Spain’s top six phar-
of large maceutical companies: Almirall,
cal sector, even to the extent
domestic Esteve, Ferrer, Grífols, Lacer and
that we talk about a conver-
pharmaceutical gence of the two sectors.
Uriach. In 2008, these companies’
companies spending on R&D stood at 381
The world’s main pharmaceutical groups’ The world’s main pharmaceutical groups’
million euros. This tradition, and
and major The presence of drugs in their dynamic nature, has attrac- profits, 2009 (in billions of $) profits, 2009 (in billions of $)
international today’s markets that have a ted major foreign investments:
groups biotech origin is increasing the Catalan region has about 70 01 Pfizer $45,448 01 Roche/Genentech $36,017
significantly, bringing out pharmaceutical companies and 02 Sanofi-Aventis $40,871 02 Amgen $14,642
new drugs that are more is home to five of the world’s top 03 Novartis $38,455 03 Novo Nordisk $9,566
specific and effective with ten biopharmaceutical companies:
04 GlaxoSmithKline $36,746 04 Merck Serono $7,454
fewer side effects. Amgen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and
Sanofi-Aventis. 05 AstraZeneca $31,905 05 Baxter BioScience $5,573
The Spanish pharmaceutical 06 Merck & Co. $26,929
The agrofoods business sector, with


industry is mainly concen- 07 Johnson & Johnson $22,520
strong roots in Catalonia and with a In bold type those with activity in Catalonia
trated in Catalonia, where 08 Eli Lilly & Co. $20,629 Source:
huge growth potential, is also one
45% of the sector’s labo- IB09: Biocat report on the state of the biotechnology, biomedicine and medical
of the main users of biotechnology, 09 Bristol-Myers Squibb $18,808 technologies sector in Catalonia 2009” (www.biocat.cat/publicacions/informe).
ratories are located, along mainly in order to create more pro- “2010 Top 10 Biopharmaceutical Companies Report“, Contract Pharma
10 Abbott Laboratories $16,486
with 50% of production and fitable crops or plants that provide
(www.contractpharma.com/articles/2010/07/2010-top-20-pharmaceutical-
companies-report).
80% of companies working 11 Takeda Chem. Ind. $14,204
the best quality products.
in the fine chemicals sector.

10 11

04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors

02.
Entrepreneur-
ship and
innovation in
biotech and medi-
cal technology
companies

The 480 companies that cu- In the last five years, biotechno- and masters students, accounting of Biotechnology Companies Sub-sectors of activity of the companies of the Bioregion
rrently make up the Catalan logy has grown between 15% for 12.5% of the whole Spanish in Spain). According the Biocat Industries of R&D
biotechnology sector and 30%. AB Biotics (functional university system (2009-10 data). Report 2011, in Catalonia there white biotechnology green tehnology
foods), Advancell (nanomedicine), Some 43,500 students were enro- are 480 companies involved in
(91 entirely dedicated to
Archivel Farma (therapeutic vacci- lled on postgraduate studies during Catalonia’s biotech sector, of
biotechnology) were all set
ne against tuberculosis), Bioglane this period. which 91 are principally engaged YES
up after the year 2000. 28.1%
(industrial biotechnology), Bioin- Regarding business schools, which in biotechnology related business,
genium (bioremediation), ERA is often an indicator associated with 71 are pharmaceuticals, 106 YES NO
47.1% 52.9%
Biotech (cell technology), Immu- entrepreneurship, Barcelona boasts are medical technology compa-
novative developments (drugs for two of the top twenty schools in the nies, 29 are in fine chemicals (a NO
71.9%
inflammatory immune disorders), world: IESE and ESADE (according major sector for the development
Neurotech Pharma (multiple scle- to the Financial Times 2011). In of active ingredients), 45 are
rosis), Omnia molecular (anti-in- addition, in 2008 Barcelona was the foodstuffs companies, 9 from the
red biotechnology medical technologies
fectives) and Oryzon (biomarkers) third European city attracting most biocomputing area, and the rest
are just some examples. international MBA students, only are providing support services.


beaten by Paris and London, accor- Of those companies in the R+D
What lies behind the growth of the ding to the aforesaid newspaper. area, 58.7% are working on red
biotechnology sector is talent and biotechnology (health); 47.1% in YES NO YES NO
skilled human capital, and strong Catalonia accounts for one fifth white biotechnology (industrial); 58.7% 41.3% 45.5% 54.5%
collaborative bonds between acade- (20.98%) of all Spain’s biotech and 28.1% in green tehnology
mia and business. Catalonia has companies, according to the latest (agrofoodstuffs), and 45.5% in
12 universities with 177,000 degree report by Asebio (Association medical technologies.

Source: Report Biocat 2011

12 13

04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors

03.
Network of
leading
hospitals
engaged in
research Hospital Clínic of Barcelona

In Catalonia, there is a The Barcelona area has a large undertaken here, because of safety
unique form of interaction network of teaching hospitals too, and research effectiveness in terms
between hospitals, univer- among them Hospital Clínic Provincial of patient selection and its compe-
de Barcelona, Hospital de Bellvitge, titive pricing structure. Over the last
sities, research centres and
Hospital de la Vall d’Hebron, Hospital 10 years, the Catalan public health
industry in general, covering
de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Hospital system has increased its research
all areas from basic to clini- de Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital del Mar trials by 95%, making Catalonia the
cal research. and Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, all leading region in Spain in terms of
Catalonia stands out in the carrying out world leading research, percentage points (52.4%), mainly in
field of clinical research and ranging from basic research to advan- phase II and III trials.
human health research. It ced diagnostic and clinical research.
has a network of 215 hospi- The private and public sectors work
tals, 13 of which are develo- One example is a Hospital Clínic closely together. There are nume-
ping outstanding research. research centre, the Centre for Inter- rous cases of collaboration, and
national Health Research (CRESIB), these days hospitals themselves
Amongst them, six are
which leads the worldwide develo- are starting their own entrepreneu-
amongst Spain’s top science
pment of a vaccine against malaria, rial projects. Catalonia has seen a
research producers.


thanks to sponsorship by the Bill and number of companies that have set
Melinda Gates Foundation. up and become highly successful
across various therapeutic areas.
Barcelona and Catalonia enjoy an There is a sub-sector of services
outstanding tradition in quality clinical companies of about 30 CRO (con-
trials. This region enjoys competitive tract research organizations) that
advantages in this field because contribute to the development and cibek, a patronage initiative in Barcelona
of the quality research that can be maturity of this sector in Catalonia.

14 15

04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
Girona
Vic

Lleida mechanisms and work on applica- basic level up to medical applica- ALBA Synchrotron
Cerdanyola del Vallès tions for these cells in the treatment tions; it has become an international Alba is a new generation synchro-
of degenerative diseases. benchmark in this field. Its location in tron located near the Autonomous

04.
Barcelona the Barcelona Science Park (PCB) University of Barcelona. The
Centre for International Health means it can keep up with this highly synchrotron and the nearby new
Research (CRESIB) dynamic area of life sciences. Parc de l’Alba facilities have been
Tarragona CRESIB researches issues related
Benchmark to the new international health cha- Catalan Institute of
equipped to host researchers from
around the world that use X-ray
training and llenges we face in the twenty-first Cardiovascular Sciences (ICCC) analysis on their samples.
research Universities
century. Since May 2010, CRESIB ICCC is located in the Hospital de
centres in Science and technology parks
Hospitals
has been part of the Barcelona Glo- la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barce- Vall d’Hebron Institute of
bal Health Institute (ISGLOBAL). lona, and it conducts research on Oncology (VHIO)
the life cardiovascular and heart disease, Recent years have seen key
sciences field National Centre for Genome competing at the highest internatio- findings emerge on the molecular
Analysis (CNAG) nal level. The centre has been highly basis of cancer, and this has led
This centre is dedicated to the successful at transferring research to new and better treatments for
Catalonia has 430 research In Catalonia, training in life scien- the degree of research speciali- study of sequencing, analysis into therapeutic developments and this disease. VHIO is working along
groups and 90 recognized ces and healthcare in general has zation in Catalonia is the fact that and interpretation of information diagnostics. similar research lines, providing a
research centres that are increased considerably in recent over 60% of centres do research contained in organisms’ genomes. common space for scientists and
years, both at universities and on human health, and over 70% of 10 years after the publication of the Institute of Biomedical doctors working on basic science
developing activities in the
business schools in order to meet all researchers working in the field first human genome sequence after Research (IRB) and clinical research.
life sciences field.
the needs of a sector that is emer- of genomic science in Spain do so decades of research, CNAG can Founded in 2005 and located in
ging as a major economic driver in research centres in Catalonia. now sequence in just a day. Barcelona’s Science Park (PCB), The growth and development of the
for the country. Ten of Catalonia’s IRB is dedicated to basic and biotechnology industry in Catalo-
twelve universities teach studies Barcelona Supercomputing Centre for Genomic applied biomedical research. Highly nia is possible because there is an
related to this area, although the Center (BSC) Regulation (CRG) dynamic and working to the highest adequate supply of science and te-
University of Barcelona (UB), Located in the emblematic Torre One of the main areas of excellence international levels of excellence, chnology parks suitable for business
the Autonomous University of Girona building in Barcelona, the that Barcelona boasts is research some of its main achievements incubation during their early stages
Barcelona (UAB) and the Po- BSC-CNS (Barcelona Supercompu- is related to this centre. At CRG have been in the area of cancer of creation. Of Catalonia’s 17 parks,
lytechnic University of Catalonia ting Center) is Spain’s National Su- they carry out basic research in research. 13 are actively involved in biotech-
(UPC) account for almost 60% of percomputing Center that plays host biomedicine, especially in the areas nology and biomedicine. In addition
the training given in this field. The to the Mare Nostrum supercomputer, of genomics and proteomics. Its Institute for AIDS Research to providing science and technology
number of students enrolled on one of the most powerful in Europe. researchers and group leaders are (IrsiCaixa) facilities, offices and laboratories,


these courses is nearly 25,000. recruited and evaluated internatio- It works to develop knowledge, these parks provide a meeting
Centre for Regenerative Medici- nally, ensuring the highest scientific prevention and treatment of HIV point for research, innovation and
Bioscience research is carried out ne in Barcelona (CMR) levels. infection and AIDS, with the ultimate companies, as well as a competitive
at 10 universities, with 25,000 CMR is located in the Barcelona goal of eradicating this disease. environment, and support services
researchers generating 25% of all Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) Catalonian Institute of Located in the University Hospital to help grow business projects while
Spain’s scientific output and 57% and principally researches human Bioengineering (IBEC) Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona, also providing access to experts in
of its biomedicine publications*. embryonic stem cells to unders- IBEC carries out research into bioen- it conducts research in partnership intellectual property and investors.
*recent bibliometrics data, 2006. One important figure that shows tand their basic development gineering all the way from its most with Barcelona’s Hospital Clínic.

16 17

04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors

05. 06.
Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)

Barcelona Barcelona
Science Park Biomedical
(PCB): where Research Park
research and (PRBB), a centre
innovation for leading
meet, and the The National Centre for Genome Analysis is one of the most
important centres for sequencing and molecular research in Europe
research groups
country’s first
bio-incubator
Science parks are catalysts Barcelona Science Park (PCB) is a for the creation and growth of The Barcelona Biomedi- Created in 2002 by the UPF, the Barcelona Biomedical Research
for regional economic recognised successful model. This biotech SMEs and has contributed cal Research Park (PRBB) Autonomous Regional Government Park (PRBB) has 8 institutes and
development and facilitate is the largest business incubator in hugely to a new innovation-based of Catalonia and Barcelona City independent research centres
occupies 55,000 m2 on the
Catalonia and it produced the first economy. Council, its expansion process en- that have achieved excellence in
the creation and growth city’s shoreline overlooking
Catalan biotechnology company in ded in late 2005 and now employs their fields, all focused on different
of new technology-based beaches and next to Hos-
2009; the Park also plays host the One of its main values is its own over 1,300 people, the majority of aspects of biomedicine.
companies, promoting pital del Mar in the 22@
latest science facility to be opened internal triple helix model (public these foreigners (covering 50 diffe- - Municipal Institute of Medical
knowledge transfer from in our country, the National Centre administration, business and uni- area. Here we find scientific rent nationalities). Research (IMIM)
universities to industry. for Genome Analysis (CNAG), which versity), which is a key to compe- experts, some working on - Centre for Genomic Regulation
together creates an innovation area titiveness in this sector with public molecular analysis, others The scientific activities of research (CRG)
that currently occupies 60,000 m2. and private research and techno- in terms of the population groups that are working here - Institute of Advanced Technology
PCB houses 75 companies, logy platforms. Within this same perspective. PRBB has are grouped under the areas of (IAT)
9 technology platforms, 36 technical space we find companies, techno- become one of the leading biomedical computing and the - Centre for Regenerative Medicine
units, 4 research institutes and logy platforms and research groups biomedical research centres biology of systems, epigenetics and in Barcelona (CMR)
70 research groups. It also organi- which enjoy full access to a wide gene regulation, cell biology and
in southern Europe. - Centre for Research in Environ-
zes more than 120 activities a year range of science and technology its development, pharmacology, mental Epidemiology (CREAL)
in order to promote a culture and support services. pathophysiology and clinical human - Pompeu Fabra University’s De-
vocation for science, which involves genetics and evolutionary biology, partment of Experimental and Health
close to 6,000 people. Setting up the National Centre for epidemiology and public health. Sciences (CEXS-UPF)


Genome Analysis (CNAG) within
- Pasqual Maragall Foundation (FPM)
Founded by the University of the Barcelona Science Park (PCB) The Park has also produced busi- - IBE - Institute of Evolutionary Biolo-
Barcelona in 1997, this was the –which happens to be Catalonia ness initiatives like the start-up qGe- gy (CSIC-UPF)
first science park to open in Spain. and Spain’s newest facility– nomics and Chemotargets based on
These days it is regarded as a reflects the excellent results science initiatives.
benchmark for the international achieved so far and its role as a PRBB also offers four technology
promotion of innovation with over driving force in this area. service platforms, including the Cata-
2,200 employees. It is a model lonian Anti-Doping Laboratory (IMIM).

18 19

04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors

07.
Autonomous
University
of Barcelona’s
Research
Park (PRUAB):
research
institutes and Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB)
a bio-incubator

The Autonomous University The UAB Research Park was set and Food Safety, Health and Beha- PRUAB Research Centres and The UAB Research Park’s tech- UAB Research Park, besides the
of Barcelona’s Research up in late 2007 by three leading vioural Sciences, Social Sciences Institutes working in fields nology transfer services, and its university’s own research groups.
Park (PRUAB) is one of research institutions: the UAB, the and Humanities and Science and related to biotechnology and scientific and technical services are Companies located in the Park and
Council for Scientific Research Technology. biomedicine include: available to researchers at the UAB, those that have come about from
Catalonia and Spain’s most
(CSIC) and the Institute for Re- - CBATEG: Centre for Ani- CSIC and IRTA related centres and Park-related projects like start-ups
important business, industry
search and Technology (IRTA) in Currently, the UAB Research Park mal Biotechnology and Gene institutes as well as other centres or spin-offs can also make the most
and knowledge generators.
order to foster, promote and impro- has 30 research centres and insti- Therapy and institutes that make up the of these services.
ve the transfer of knowledge and tutes and more than 4,000 resear-
- CRAG: Agrogenomics Re-
technology between universities chers. In 2006 it registered
search Centre
and companies. 60 patents and generated funds
worth 68 million euros. - IBB: Institute of Biotechnology
In addition to the UAB’s own and Biomedicine
departments and research groups, PRUAB has 14 small and medium - INc: Institute of Neuroscience
the Park has numerous centres and sized companies located there in
- LP CSIC-UAB: CSIC-UAB
institutes located on its Bellaterra various life sciences activities.


Laboratory of Proteomics
Campus and at the Torre Mari-
mon Farm (Caldes de Montbui). - ALBA Synchrotron
They all carry out research in five - Centre for Research in Na-
main themes: Biotechnology and noscience and Nanotechnology
Biomedicine, Health and Animal (CIN2)
Production, Processing of Food
ALBA Synchrotron

20 21

04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors

Over 600 representatives of Catalonia’s biotech sector meet every year for the Biocat Forum

08.
Large hospital
09.
Biocat, promoting
research Research Institute of the Hospital del Mar
the Bioregion of
centres: IDIBAPS Catalonia
IDIBELL and VHIR
state support agency for research that therapeutics and the treatment of Biocat is an entity that Created in 2006 thanks to the Gover- To achieve its goals in the above
provides accreditation for institutes and problems related to healthcare issues. coordinates and promotes nment of Catalonia and Barcelona City stated five priority areas, it has
networks and focuses research on set Besides this, the Institute is highly Council, Biocat’s foundation gover- designed tailor made programmes
innovation into biotechnolo-
objectives, a mission that only one other committed to supporting entrepreneu- nance structure includes extensive re- that address the needs and specifi-
gy, biomedicine and medi-
hospital in Spain, the Virgen del Rocío rial business ventures that arise from presentation from the biomedical and cities of the sector, offering a range
de Sevilla, has. their research programmes.
cal technology in Catalonia.
biotechnology sector, as well as the of services that run from training
Its mission is to promote Administration, universities, research programmes to the publishing of
The Sant Pau Biomedical and energize stakeholders
Catalonia’s university hos- Research institutes in companies and support organizations. industry reports, organizing sector
Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau)
Barcelona’s hospital system operating in this sector and meetings and providing support
pitals have a long tradition The Sant Pau Institute for Biome-
develop related initiatives Biocat promotes collaboration bet- in the internationalization process,
bringing together excellence August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical dical Research carries out medical
Research Institute (IDIBAPS)
in order to create the right ween biocluster stakeholders and a and even personalized advice for
in health care, training and research into basic, clinical, and
IDIBAPS’ research focuses on six epidemiological health care issues, environment for a powerful variety of other entities both inside and companies, project start-ups or the
basic and related research. outside of Catalonia, at the national design of sector relevant strategic
main investigation lines and it aims to and their investigation lines come research system to flourish.
This can be seen by the fact and international level. It offers flexible initiatives.
integrate quality clinical research with together in 10 of the highest quality Other objectives include
that Barcelona’s principal and innovative solutions to challenges
high quality basic research through its research entities. Occupying 6,000 m2 helping to create active
hospitals all have their own facing the sector, always pursuing the Biocat, along with the City Coun-
60-or-so research teams. of space, the shared research facili- knowledge transfers and an
research institutes. ties play host to more than 400 basic
highest quality and efficiency. The Bio- cil, drives the city’s international
Bellvitge Biomedical Research entrepreneurial business cat action plan has a clear customer promotion as a place for biotech-
Institute (IDIBELL) scientists and clinicians grouped in network so that this sector
In Barcelona and its surrounds there are focus, reflecting a strong commitment nology companies to set up via the
7 areas of research.
six hospital research institutes, five of
IDIBELL is a stem cell medical can become an economic to its goals and people in general. Barcelona Biotech brand and it also
research centre, including the par- Municipal Institute of Medical driver for the country and establishes partnerships with coun-
which - Vall d’Hebron Researh Institute
ticipation of the University Hospital Research (IMIM)
(VHIR), Bellvitge Biomedical Research also so that it contributes Its action plan is divided into five terpart institutions and stakeholders
of Bellvitge, the Catalan Institute of The Research Institute of the Hospital strategic priorities:
Institute (IDIBELL), Health Sciences to the overall welfare of in the main international markets
Oncology, the University of Barce- del Mar forms a part of the Pompeu - Consolidation of Catalonia’s of interest to promote exchanges
Research Institute of the “Germans society.


lona and the Institute of Diagnostic Fabra University (UPF) and boasts biocluster and cooperation between sector
Trias i Pujol” Foundation (IGTP), August
Imaging. The Institute is part of 350 researchers. Their research is - Promoting business competiti- members.
Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research
Hospitalet’s Biopol’H health care divided into five programme areas: veness
Institute (IDIBAPS) and Sant Pau
research park. cancer, epidemiology and public - Internationalization More information from
Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant
Pau)— are certified as medical research Vall d’Hebron Researh health, inflammation and cardiovas- - Training and attracting talent www.biocat.cat
institutes by the Ministry of Science and Institute (VHIR)) cular processes, neuroscience and - Generating a positive social
Innovation, a quality stamp awarded VHIR is a biomedical research centre biomedical computing. perception of biotechnology
by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, a working in the fields of diagnostics,

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The Biotechnology sector in Barcelona

The Biotechnology sector in Barcelona

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