#Germany #Düsseldorf #LenioBio #EU4Health #ALiCE

LenioBio Secures Significant EU4Health Funding

LenioBio GmbH, a pioneering company in protein expression technology, has recently been granted €3.7 million from the EU4Health program, implemented by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). This funding marks a crucial step for LenioBio in advancing its innovative ALiCE® system, aimed at the cost-effective and rapid production of protein-based medicines. The project officially commenced on July 1, 2025, and is expected to continue until late 2027.

The Vision Behind ALiCE®

The ALiCE® platform represents a cutting-edge cell-free protein expression system, which allows for the synthesis of complex proteins without the need for living cells. This technology offers a revolutionary approach to medicine manufacturing, providing unprecedented agility and efficiency in producing novel protein-based therapeutics. The unique capabilities of ALiCE® make it particularly suited for the rapid development of vaccines and other critical medical products.

The project's objectives are firmly aligned with the European Union's strategic aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and affordability of essential medicines. Recognizing the ongoing challenges within the healthcare sector, particularly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe's health systems and ensure resilience against future health emergencies.

Key Goals of the Funding

The funding will be utilized for several key objectives:
1. Scaling and Optimization: LenioBio plans to optimize the production process of ALiCE® lysates, which includes increasing batch sizes and transitioning to a continuous manufacturing mode. This upgrade is essential for meeting the growing demand for protein medicines and will facilitate rapid scalability.
2. Enhanced Capabilities: The project aims to expand the capabilities of the ALiCE® system by developing new functionalities targeted at producing various classes of protein medicines, including vaccines, multispecific antibodies, and growth factors. This will include engineering methods to demonstrate modular protein production on a larger scale.
3. Regulatory Foundations: LenioBio is dedicated to laying the groundwork for good manufacturing practices (GMP) by establishing robust analytical qualifications and quality control systems, as well as preparing the necessary regulatory documentation for future market entries.

A Milestone for LenioBio

André Goerke, CEO of LenioBio, expressed delight at receiving this grant, stating, "This grant is another significant milestone for LenioBio. It enables us to scale our platform and broadens its application for medicine production, providing a future-proof solution for the agile production of novel and complex proteins." Furthermore, LenioBio's project has earned the STEP Seal of approval from the European Commission, confirming its strategic importance for Europe's technological and health sovereignty.

Conclusion

In summary, LenioBio's receipt of EU4Health funding highlights a progressive step towards transforming the landscape of protein medicine manufacturing. The enhanced capabilities of the ALiCE® platform not only promise to fulfill existing healthcare demands but also place Europe on a path to achieving self-sufficiency in producing essential medical products. For those interested in following developments in the field of biotechnology and protein expression, LenioBio's advancements are a notable example of how innovative technologies can play a key role in addressing global health challenges.