The research of the Sahlgrenska trio forms the basis for the studies in the month-old biomedical laboratory at Medicinarberget.

Based on donor blood
The researcher and molecular biologist Sandra Holmgren has always been fascinated by cell communication in the human body and in particular by research on cancer. In this study her base material is blood in small 18 millilitre tubes from healthy donors.

The white blood cells are separated, washed and loaded with antigen on 24-well plates to become a vaccine. The idea is to inject the vaccine, a mature cocktail, into the cancer patient to mobilise the immune system to fight lung cancer. Tests in test tubes and on rats to date appear to be promising. In the summer the study is to be tested on humans.

Immunicum has recently moved into the new 600 square metrewet laboratory. This provides what is needed for growth and perhaps also future jobs, in newly renovated, bright premises in which the arched window recesses have been retained.

The new laboratory is yet another addition to the cluster around Sahlgrenska Science Park, with Sahlgrenska University Hospital , the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers nearby.

As a natural progression from academic biomedical research, small seed companies can take steps towards becoming viable companies, in a warm and supportive growth environment, or in an incubator, to use the official term.

Gunilla Bökmark, CEO of the Sahlgrenska business park, says that project ideas in biomedicine have to withstand tough scrutiny of implementation and business plans. They have to pass through the eye of a needle to gain a place in the incubator. The aim is to develop research, but also business growth in Western Sweden — in a sector that holds promise for the future, with new jobs and a changed structure of business in Western Sweden. This wake-up call is particularly relevant now, during the economic downturn.

Financial backers full of hope
The financial backers — the region, the university and Business Region Göteborg — have great hopes, as does the EU´s Regional Development Fund. The operating budget is around eight million Swedish kronor a year. The seed companies pay cost price for basic equipment with offices, and now also a laboratory. Nearly 100 enquiries a year are now received, but only a few meet the strict requirements. "An environment packed full of requirements, where some 30 companies have been in operation in the twelve years we have been going," says Gunilla Bökmark. These are service companies in life science that develop drugs, diagnostics and IT-based medical devices.

"It´s a great advantage to be close to research and development at the university and Chalmers, we are very much intertwined. In addition, we are a link and platform in the meeting of research and business," says Bökmark.

Although the environment provides support and opportunities for bright ideas, it is not possible to develop them in a coffee break. It can often take a long time to develop a promising project into a business deal.

To date two companies have "graduated" from the five-year-old incubator to stand on their own feet. There are five companies in the incubator and an equal number in the adjacent biotech centre.

"We wish to create opportunities for companies who come here," says Bökmark. “And we must be both flexible and take a long-term view".

A further example of interdisciplinary cooperation is IBCT, the Institute of Biomaterials and Cell Therapy. Jenny Mossberg talks about projects in which several companies are involved, where the body's own biomaterials are developed as well as titanium used for replacement parts in the body. The project receives support from the government agencies Vinnova and Vinnväxt.

Sandra Holmgren sits in the new biomedical laboratory holding a pipette in the fume cupboard and studies the reagent with white blood cells, so that a vaccine for lung cancer can eventually be developed after Phase I/II. Since 1 February she has had a new workplace where Immunicum has moved in. The laboratory with both laboratory spaces and offices has already acquired several new tenants, and more are expected to move into these premises that have cost one and a half million Swedish kronor to prepare.

By Håkan Andersson, GP

Facts: Sahlgrenska Science Park
2650 square metresof space, accommodating a business incubator and business park in life science.
Works to develop biomedical innovation in Western Sweden.
Intended to serve as a platform where research and business meet.
Region, the University of Gothenburg and Business Region Göteborg.
Is a part of Biomedical Development in Western Sweden.