InvestmentEcosystem
Picks of November: medtech firm Impress closes second-ever megaround, important advances in tumors with CAR-T cells and new science facilities
Let’s look at the most noteworthy news from November, showcasing the vibrancy and constant innovation in the BioRegion of Catalonia, from basic research to clinical applications and international business expansion. Here we go!
- We’re kicking off this section for the second month in a row with a huge round of investment: Impress, a dental health medtech firm, has secured €110 million in the second megaround in the history of the BioRegion of Catalonia, after the same company raised €122 million in 2022 in the first operation in the sector to surpass the €100 million mark. On top of the €46 million secured by INBRAIN Neuroelectronics last month, this shows investment in healthcare startups and scaleups in Catalonia is gaining steam just weeks before the end of the year. Other operations also worth noting include the €3.5 million raised by Biarce to apply artificial intelligence to clinical trials and the €1.5 million secured by femtech firm Superlativa in a round led by Iris Ventures.
- In news from startups and scaleups, Aelix Therapeutics sold its experimental HIV vaccine to sector giant Gilead Sciences; and Gate2Brain was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the EMA for its innovative pediatric cancer treatment. Integra Therapeutics signed a deal with Caszyme to use its CRISPR Cas12l nucleases to advance towards safe, efficient gene therapies; and Blue Box was a finalist in the digital healthcare category of the 4YFN 2025 Awards. Will we see another Catalan company on top of the podium, like HumanITcare (now vitalera) in 2022?
- In terms of investment funds, Ysios Capital has published its first ESG report (Environment, Social and Governance), reaffirming its commitment to sustainable investment. The report highlights three key pillars: fostering social investment with innovative therapies, promoting diversity and inclusiveness within the organization and its companies, and improving ESG practices. This same fund took part in a €128 million round of funding in Danish company Adcendo.
- New shows of the excellence in research in Catalonia include Catalan scientists’ development of an innovative CAR-T therapy that activates a twofold anti-tumor response in preclinical HER2+ breast cancer models, the international study led from Barcelona on producing artificial stem cells and the noteworthy participation of CRG and IDIBAPS in creating the first human cell atlas. It is also worth noting the influence of Catalan scientists on the rankings of the most cited researchers in the world, which put Hospital Clinic Barcelona and Vall d’Hebron University Hospital among the top Spanish bodies on the Clarivate Analytics ranking of scientific excellence.
- Plus, hospitals in the region and their research institutes are leading some of the most significant advances in science and technology, including Hospital Clinic Barcelona, which has adopted artificial intelligence to better diagnose prostate cancer. To continue innovating, this same center held its Campus Clinic Innova 2024 event this month, giving out €15,000 prizes. Also, Bellvitge University Hospital carried out a groundbreaking operation to remove a rare tracheal cancer and Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) launched two new spinoffs: Debios Diagnostics, which is working to improve diagnosis of urinary and reproductive diseases with non-invasive tests; and HealthTech Innovations S.L., which hopes to make operating rooms safer and more efficient by integrating advanced technology to support nursing staff and facilitate sterilization processes.
- The BioRegion of Catalonia continues to strengthen its science and healthcare facilities. Highlights this month include Girona-based company Giromed Institute and Pangaea Oncology opening a 400 square meter research center for respiratory diseases in Girona. They will focus on clinical trials for therapeutic targets in asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and vaccines. Plus, Qiagen announced it will invest €13 million in a center of operations in Esplugues, reinforcing its presence in Catalonia.
- In business, pharmaceutical corporations in Catalonia are on the move. Uriach has acquired Bebegel, a Portuguese company that specializes in pediatric laxatives, expanding its reach in the Europe market. And HealthTech BioActives (HTBA), a Catalan company that stands out in manufacturing and marketing natural ingredients, has been acquired by Miura Partners.
- Biocat and the Spanish Federation of Healthcare Technology Companies (Fenin) have signed a strategic collaboration agreement establishing a framework for cooperation that promises to transform the healthcare innovation scene.
- The ecosystem has new leadership and recognitions in key positions. Javier Selva has taken over as director general for Knowledge Transfer and Society at the Catalan Ministry of Research and Universities. Meanwhile, CEO of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Manel del Castillo won a Health Revolution Award (HRC Award) as the most influential figure in digital health for his commitment to the digital transformation. Biocat CEO Robert Fabregat was one of the judges for these awards.
- And to finish off, we encourage you to take part in the Sahlgrenska Global Health Hackathon, which will be in Barcelona on February 22 and 23, 2025, right after Barcelona Health Innovation Week. It’s an opportunity to innovate, collaborate and come up with solutions that could transform the future of global health. If you have ideas, the drive to solve real problems and want to work with a global network of professionals, this event is for you!