Download our new brochure and discover BioWin's Success Stories!

6 years of innovation 

in the health sector 

of Wallonia 

Impacts & Prospects

A word from the chairman 

and Vice-chairman of biowin 

A message from BioWin’s Chairman and Vice-Chairman. In 2006, 

the creation of a health cluster inspired a collaborative dynamics in 

Wallonia that brought together everyone in the region who was interested 

in innovation. This new dynamics was an initial, concrete outcome 

of the cluster’s work introducing those involved in innovation in 

the region and giving businesses the chance to work with university or 

non-university research centres, SMEs with other SMEs or large corporations, 

the laboratories of one university with another university. 

For business clusters, R&D is not an end in itself. It is a way of generating 

economic added value. In this respect, BioWin has enjoyed positive 

initial results, with 16 patents submitted, the creation of 3 new companies, 

including a technological platform, and the launch of 6 new products 

and services. The cluster has therefore now been able to embark on the 

process of assessing the first results of its innovation projects, the most 

important of which is the positive impact they have had on the sector, 

and on SMEs more specifically, as well as a social impact estimated at 

1,200 direct jobs that will be created in the medium term. 

By focusing its innovation efforts on 8 themes, the cluster is helping 

to consolidate the value chains for the technology in which Wallonia excels 

both industrially and academically. Today, Wallonia can be proud of 

developing technological as well as entrepreneurial leadership in areas 

such as biopharmacy, radiopharmacy, regenerative medicine, in vitro 

and in vivo diagnostics, biotechnological products, medical devices and 

hospital instruments. 

Universities and colleges in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation train 

high quality professionals who can put their talents to use in Wallonia 

at research centres and businesses that are actively involved in high 

level innovation. BioWin is constructively enhancing what it has to offer 

by introducing a series of training and skills development initiatives, including 

the BioPharE project, which covers everything to do with healthcare 

biotechnology, from technical expertise to strategic management. 

However, it is important to make sure that enough young people join the 

science sectors from secondary school onwards if we want to be able to 

respond to the growing needs of small and large science-related companies, 

engineers, researchers and developers in the future. 

By vocation, the healthcare sector has an international audience. 

With the support of the AWEX (Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment 

Agency), BioWin raises the profile of the cluster and its members far 

beyond the region’s borders. Having promoted the image of Wallonia’s 

innovation and value creation, BioWin is committed to encouraging its 

members on a global stage through technological partnerships in promising 

markets in Europe, Asia and the United States. 

This brochure is neither an activity report, nor a balance sheet or a 

statement. The idea is to tell you more about BioWin’s exciting work in the 

field of health within the Walloon ecosystem. The initial results are promising, 

and the cluster has everything it needs to succeed in its ambitious 

mission of contributing to the economic restructuring of Wallonia. 

We hope you enjoy reading about what we do. 

Jean Stéphenne 

(GSK Vaccines) 

BioWin, Chairman 

Prof. Jean-Luc Balligand 

(UCLouvain) 

BioWin, Vice-Chairman 

IMPACTS & Prospects • 1

INTRODUCTION 

BioWin’s team is responsible for the day-to-day implementation 

of the cluster’s strategy, which focuses on 4 main lines 

of actions : 

• In the framework of its innovation support activities, supporting 

excellence while ensuring that the technologies or 

products deve loped meet market’s needs and can be launched 

as quickly as possible. 

• Supplying integrated and centralised training offers to develop 

the technical, managerial and strategic skills of biotech companies 

involved in health and medical technology and increase 

their competitiveness. 

• Implementing an internationalisation policy for BioWin 

through networking activities, to the benefit of industry and 

SMEs in particular. 

• Promoting the implementation of the technological platforms 

and infrastructures needed for the development of the biomedi 

cal sector in Wallonia. 

Every day, the cluster strives to promote a proactive strategy 

according to a collaborative approach that guarantees the 

effective integration of Walloon biotechnology activity in the 

increa singly competitive European and global markets. 

Led by the Director of Communication and International Relations, 

the International Department takes care of the cluster’s 

international profile, and organises regular networking activities. 

This department consolidates the development of SMEs 

through European projects partnered by the cluster as well as 

through international partnerships. The permanent presence of 

two BioWin representatives in Boston and Shanghai means that 

those representing Walloon innovation can enter both the Asian 

and American markets. Closer to home, our manager of technological 

partnerships in Europe strives to build relationships 

between BioWin members and the members of other European 

health clusters. 

BioWin’s science and technology unit aims to promote collaborative 

research projects combining scientific excellence 

with a good potential for economic valorisation. The department 

works with the partners of each project and helps them 

ensure the optimum (and specific) valuation of the generated 

results. This unit also offers a range of services and advices 

to encourage collaboration to make sure that each partner 

can make the most of the research work carried out.

CLUSTER’S OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES 

BY FRANCE FANNES, MANAGING DIRECTOR 

The training department plays a key role in the analysis of 

(current and future) biopharmaceutical skills needs in Wallonia- 

Brussels. With the BioPharE project, which it coordinates, the 

cluster implements training pathways aimed at everyone concerned 

(workers, jobseekers, students and teachers) and brings 

together everyone involved in the cluster (businesses, academia, 

training providers) around a shared vision. As for R&D collaborative 

projects, the cluster also manages the portfolio of training projects 

labelled by the Governement of Wallonia to promote econo mic 

activi ties (getting young graduates into work, professional 

reinte gration for jobseekers) as well as sustain the generated 

results. By nurturing collaboration, the cluster strives to identify 

any collective project idea aimed to create innovative technological 

platforms and/or fill any infrastructure needs that are critical 

to the development of the biomedical sector in Wallonia. Projects 

invol ving the creation of a Walloon biobank and an infrastructure 

dedicated to the manufacturing of cell therapy products will speed 

up the process of launching new products, processes and services 

on market. 

Backed to the operations team, a number of different governing 

agencies provide their support and expertise to the work done 

by the BioWin cluster (DG06, AWEX, FOREM). 

The strategic committee responsible for following up work endorsed 

by the Governing Board also defines the cluster’s strategic 

guidelines. Various task forces (communication, training etc.) are 

associated with different themes (biobank, cell therapy) and make 

sure that projects or actions are consistent and the resources used 

are appropriate in light of the results. 

Members of the staff also make sure that the interests of 

BioWin and those involved in the biopharmaceutical sector 

are represented to all the cluster’s stakeholders (businesses, 

universities, colleges, training providers, federations, associations, 

ministries, authorities, semi-public bodies, etc.), thus 

developing sustainable, reciprocal relationships with public 

funding authorities. 

France Fannes, Managing Director 


BioWin, a cluster where 

science meets business 

for the economic rejuvenation 

of Wallonia 

BioWin (Biotechnologies Wallonie Innovation) is the health competitiveness 

cluster of Wallonia (Belgium), a region that has established 

itself as one of Europe’s most innovative ecosystems in 

the field of biotechnology. More than 100 innovative companies, 

particularly specialising in biopharmacy, cell therapy, radiopharmacy, 

diagnostics, biotechnology products, services (CRO, CMO) 

and medical devices and equipment are developing their businesses 

in this region. 

With an estimated annual turnover of 3.7 billion euros and 

around 12,250 employees in 2011, the companies who are 

members of BioWin make this cluster one of the most competitive 

in Europe. World leaders with bases in Wallonia include 

GSK Vaccines, UCB (central nervous system diseases and 

immunology), Baxter (medical equipment and biopharmacy), 

IBA (cancer radio diagnostics and therapy) and Eurogentec/ 

Kaneka (diagnostics and biotechnology products). One third of 

the staff of these businesses is involved in R&D work, and the 

proportion is even higher for Walloon SMEs. The figures speak 

for themselves : around 1 billion euros is invested each year in 

running over 400 public and private R&D centres employing 

more than 11,000 researchers between them. 

The university system also nurtures scientific excellence in the 

field of academic research. Three academies uniting different 

universities have been set up to pool efforts to maintain this 

excellence at the highest level. There is the Académie Universitaire 

Louvain, supported by the Université Catholique de 

Louvain (UCL) and the University of Namur (formerly FUNDP) ; 

4

INTRODUCTION 

the Académie Universitaire de Wallonie-Bruxelles uniting the 

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the University of Mons 

(UMons) ; and the Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Europe, of 

which the University of Liège (ULg) is a member. In addition to 

universities, Wallonia is also home to a number of internationally 

renowned research institutions that include : the LICR (Ludwig 

Institute of Cancer Research) ; the GIGA (Interdisciplinary Cluster 

for Applied Genoproteonics) ; the IMI (Institute for Medical Immunology) 

; the de Duve Institute, founded by the Belgian Nobel 

Prize laureate for Medicine, Christian de Duve : and the CMMI 

(Centre for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging). 

With an estimated annual turnover of 3.7 billion 

euros and around 12,250 employees in 2011, 

the companies who are members of BioWin make 

this cluster one of the most competitive in Europe. 

BioWin was set up in July 2006, within the context of the “Marshall 

Plan”, to unite everyone in Wallonia involved in innovation 

and training in the field of biotechnology and health, with a view 

to contributing to the economic rejuvenation of Wallonia. 

After six years of hard work, the cluster can be proud of the positive 

things it has achieved. A number of projects selected by 

BioWin and approved by the Government of Wallonia have already 

breathed new life into the Walloon economy, particularly 

by creating jobs, submitting patents and entering into commercial 

contracts or distribution partnerships. The cluster has also 

been active on the international stage. The training solutions it 

offers, adapted to the needs of businesses, have enjoyed considerable 

success. Last but not least, a technological platform 

has already been introduced. 


BioWin, 6 years of innovation 

in the health sector of Wallonia 

(Belgium). 

2008 

• Selection of the BioFINa, Deep, 

Joint AIC and Walbiostent projects 

2008 

• Selection of 3 projects of which 

included the “Inter-Clusters specific 

trainings” project 

2006 

2006 

• Creation of BioWin, 

the Health Competitiveness 

Cluster of Wallonia 

2008 

2008 

• Partnership with 

LyonBiopôle (France) 

2009 

• Selection of the “Stages des pôles” 

project (in-company trainings) 

• Reworking of the skills 

development strategy 

• Definition of the 10 priority fields 

of expertise in Wallonia 

2007 

2006 

• Selection of 3 projects 

of which included 

the “alternance” project 

(block-release trainings) 

2009 

2009 

• Partnership with 

EuroBioMed (France) 

• Launch of the ABC Europe project 

• Creation of the in vitro 

work group (future Wal-Dx) 

2006 

• Selection of the 

Keymarker project 

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 

TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORMS 

INTERNATIONALISATION 

2007 

• Selection of the 

Oncomethylomic, Neofor, 

Colvir, Cantol and 

Hope4PD projects 

2009 

• Definition of a new matrix 

for key R&D areas 

• Adjustment of the collaborative 

projects evaluation criteria 

• Establishment of strong project 

management principles including 

a bi-annual follow up and a mid-term 

review of the consortia involved 

in BioWin’s projects 

• Clarification on the intellectual 

property rules within the projects 

of the cluster 

• Selection of the Brain-µ, VapChip, 

Rheumagène, Win-TPS, Targetum 

and Valostem projects 

6

TIMELINE 

2010 

• Selection of 5 training projects 

of which included BioPhar… 

(coordinated by BioWin) 

• Reorganisation of the BioWin skills 

development department 

2010 

• Selection of the Gage, Radiotarget, 

DNA-Vac, Ovart and BioLine projects 

2010 

• Partnership with the SBIA (China) 

• Creation of the EDCA 

• Launch of the TERM project 

• BioWin permanent representation 

in Shanghai 

2012 

• Implementation of the 

Wallonia-Brussels Federation’s 

Biobank platform structure 

(on going project) 

2012 

• Renewal of BioWin’s partnership 

with the SBIA (China) 

• Launch of the NanoFar project 

• BioWin’s permanent representation 

in Boston (Mass., USA) 

• BioWin’s permanent 

representation in Europe 

• Vice-Presidency of the CEBR 

• Co-creation of the Shanghai 

Bioclouds 

• Creation of a Chinese version 

of BioWin’s corporate website 

• Launch of Win-Health.org, 

the Health Blog of Wallonia 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2011 

• Partnership with the 

Juke Biotech Park (China) 

2011 

• Selection of the Stemvac, Starflo Plus, 

Mirror and SMART projects 

• Simplification of the administrative 

processes relating to projects’ 

submission 

2011 

• Creation of the MaSTherCell platform 

• Selection of the protontherapy 

platform project, co-presented 

with the Mecatech cluster 

2012 

• Selection of the Neuroatt 

and AVATAR² projects 

• Definition of a European research 

agenda in the cell therapy area 

(TERM project) 

• Organisation of a 

“meet and match” event 

with Baxter 

2012 

• BioPhar… generated 

34,000 hours of training given 

to 2,300 participants 

• 2 nd academic edition of the 

Analytics Engineering Masters 

(within the “alternance project”) 

2011 

• New legal framework for the “alternance” 

project (block-release trainings) 

• The “Inter-Clusters specific trainings” 

projects generated 76,000 hours of training 

• New partners involved in the 

“Stages des pôles” project with 

115 in-company traineeships completed 

• Launch of the BioPhar… project 


Prospects for the cluster for 2022 

Having reflected on some of the cluster’s achievements over its first 

few years, BioWin would also like to look forward. Thinking about 

the immediate future, we can focus on the following developments 

for the cluster’s 4 strategic areas. 

Strategic focus 

Research & Development 

• Consolidation of the Walloon ecosystems in the 

health sector by promoting and/or marketing 

the results of BioWin’s R&D projects. 

• Development of international R&D partnerships. 

• Consolidation of the structures with other sources 

of public and private funding (Welbio, DGO6/ 

PPP-CWALITY, Innoviris, FNRS/FRIA, European 

framework programmes, IMI, Venture capital, etc.). 

• Increase of the support to Walloon organisations 

involved in innovation to put together projects and 

international partnerships by offering customised 

services (identification of partners consortium 

agreements, valorisation). 

• Organisation of technological networking events 

facilitating technological partnerships. 

• Consolidation of the cross-disciplinary nature 

of R&D projects. 


Skills Development 

• Development of training modules promoting 

entrepreneurship and the management of 

intellectual property through the BioPharE project. 

• Broadening collaboration with new training providers. 

• Creation of a centralised platform for training 

solutions in Wallonia from the website 

www.biophare.eu. 

• Creation and implementation of educational tools 

(e.g. E-learning). 

• Organisation of flagship events to bring together 

people involved in the cluster’s different 

technological themes. 

• Internationalisation of programmes to target 

a European audience through existing initiatives 

(IMI Pharma, Marie Curie fellowships). 

• Integration of training modules in academic courses 

(with certificates from academic institutions). 

• Support for Walloon organisations through a range 

of services to help assess skills needs. 

8

prospects for the cluster 


Technological Platforms 

• Launch of new technological platform projects 

fulfilling members’ collective needs. 

• Coordination of the management of some of these 

platforms (e.g. biobank, procurement platform). 

Development of the cluster 

• Ensure the future of the cluster with a self-funding 

strategy to guarantee growing financial 

independence combined with offering new services 

to members. 


Internationalisation 

• Development of partnerships with health clusters 

around the world. 

• Development of technological partnerships 

between members and organisations committed to 

innovation in regions where BioWin is represented 

(Boston, Shanghai, Europe). 

• Consolidation of the development of SMEs through 

new partnerships with European clusters. 

• Deployment of the Walloon region’s international 

in vitro diagnostic activities, “WAL-DX”. 

• Boosting the international profile of the cluster and 

its members through professional social networks 

and e-marketing. 


STRATEGIC FOCUS 


The BioWin cluster supports the emergence of R&D projects 

that bring together industries, universities and research centres 

to build consortia whose goal is to deliver innovative products 

and services with high levels of added value that can 

be marketed as quickly as possible and will generate jobs. To 

reach this objective, BioWin works in close collaboration with 

the Walloon administration (the DG06). 

The key R&D areas were redefined in 2010 and a new matrix, including 

a technological dimension and a time-to-market dimension 

was elaborated. 

The research projects supported by the BioWin cluster encompass 

human and animal health and fit into eight technological 

themes : biomarkers and in vitro and in vivo diagnostics ; 

innovative instruments and tools ; drug delivery systems ; 

novel therapies ; information technologies (IT) applied to human 

health ; innovative processes and new organisational approaches 

; medical devices ; and drug discovery. 

The time-to-market dimension demonstrates BioWin’s ambition 

to create socio-economic value in the medium and long 

term. The cluster has also established strong management 

principles for its portfolio of R&D projects, in particular by 

recommending the submission of more mature research programs, 

by selecting projects whose development to reach the 

proof-of-concept or prototype will be guaranteed financially 

and by maintaining a good balance between projects with an 

immediate and deferred socio-economic impact. 

10 • Research & Development

The BioWin jury’s evaluation criteria were also revised and clarified 

in 2010. As well as supporting high quality R&D, particular 

attention is now paid to synergies that might lead to interaction 

with other regional, national and international projects. There is 

also a focus to integrate multidisciplinarity in the projects. 

The cross-fertilisation resulting from cross-disciplinary collaboration 

(particularly with actors involved in information 

and communication technology, photonics, microtechnology 

and nanotechnology) as well as the inclusion of a training arm 

in the R&D projects will be highly encouraged. 

To date, 27 R&D projects have been approved, covering different 

technological themes. 138 organisations (32 SMEs, 7 large corporations, 

99 university and non-university laboratories) are or have 

been involved in these projects. 

The results generated by the BioWin consortia are exploited in different 

ways. In some consortia, the research results are exploited 

by a start-up set up for this purpose. In other cases, the results are 

marketed by companies who are partners to the consortium. 

In this specific case, it is often an opportunity to create a new business 

branch. In a minority of cases, results will be marketed 

by a third-party company that will be given a licence for exploitation 

of the results generated by the Walloon partners.

Success story / 1 

Our holographic microscopy technologies 

export well around the world 

The aim of the BioLine project, launched in 2011, is to develop, build and market 

a complete platform for optical instruments based on patented digital holographic 

microscopy technology developed by Professor Frank Dubois from 

the ULB. The consortium, which encompasses different skills in the field of life 

sciences and engineering, has managed to develop instruments that can be 

used to observe moving microscopic objects in 3 dimensions, with exceptional 

image quality. 

To date, we have sold more than a hundred 

different machines. 

With this non-destructive technology, the sample does not need to be stained 

to determine cellular viability. These results were only possible with a winning 

team of two SMEs, the Brussels-based company Ovizio and the Walloon company 

WOW Technology, as well as GSK Vaccines, for whom online microscopy 

solutions have been developed that are suitable for bioreactors so that cells 

in suspension can be monitored. The success of this technology appealed to 

Dutch company Applikon Biotechnology, with whom a worldwide distribution 

agreement was signed in September 2012. Applikon Biotechnology will use 

and distribute the 4D microscopy technology developed by the consortium 

in association with its proprietary bioreactors. Other commercial agreements 

will be finalised soon. The microscopes will be produced in Wallonia by WOW 

Technology who, thanks to its involvement in various BioWin projects, has 

inten sified its activities in the field of life sciences, created a new department 

and hired seven people, financed by its own income. 



1 

Interview with Philip Mathuis 

– CEO of Ovizio 

Our partnership through the BioWin project has helped us raise our profile. 

Thanks to the support and different skills offered by the cluster and the consortium, 

we have been able to finalise a number of commercial agreements 

around the world. 

Interview with Jean Demarteau 

– Managing Director of WOW Technology 

By working on BioWin’s R&D projects, WOW Technology has been able to meet 

biotechnology companies. The benefits of this interdisciplinary interaction 

have allowed the emergence of new skills that have helped us to develop and 

produce different pieces of equipment that we can offer to our new clients involved 

in the life sciences sector. To date, we have sold more than a hundred 

different machines. We are very enthusiastic about the economic results of 

this collaboration and have got involved in other R&D projects. The cluster has 

played a vital role in the success of our new commercial venture. 

> 3 patent applications submitted 

> 1 product developed 

> 1 international distribution agreement signed with Applikon Biotechnology 

> 7 jobs created for WOW Technology 



Delphi Genetics announces the development 

of the first effective dna vaccine developed 

with Staby® technology 

The DNAVac project, launched in 2011, has been developed by a consortium 

of partners involving Delphi Genetics, the project coordinator, Eurogentec, 

the Université Catholique de Louvain and the University of Liège. 

The aim of the project is to develop and produce antibiotic-free DNA vaccines 

targeting veterinary diseases. As a model, the consortium developed a DNA 

vaccine against the Aujezsky virus the causative agent of pseudo-rabies. 

We have developed a proof-of-concept designed 

to create the first antibiotic-free DNA vaccine 

with a simplified and less costly production process 

This virus was selected as it causes systematically an acute and lethal issue 

in susceptible species, thereby providing an excellent model to test the efficacy 

of a vaccine candidate. An important step has been recently reached 

by the consortium : the first antibiotic-free DNA vaccine using the Staby® 

technology developed by Delphi Genetics was efficiently tested in vivo. 

All production steps of the vaccine were performed efficiently avoiding completely 

the use of antibiotic-resistance genes, as recommended by regula tory 

authorities (FDA, USDA, EMA). These results validate the use of the Staby® 

technology outside the field of protein production. 

Thanks to, among other things, the visibility offered through the BioWin project, 

Delphi Genetics announced on 8 th October 2012, the signature of a broad 

licensing agreement with a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. for the use of the 

Staby® technology to produce proteins in the areas of human and animal 

health (see the “Internationalisation” section p.37). 



1 

Professor Alain Vanderplasschen 

– University of Liège (ULg) 

The results of tests carried out by Dr Anca Reschner are very clear : all the 

animals vaccinated using Staby® vectors were resistant to the deadly 

Aujeszky virus. 

Interview with Cédric Szpirer 

– CEO of Delphi Genetics 

As part of the DNAVac project, we have developed a proof of concept 

designed to create the first antibiotic-free DNA vaccine with 

a simplified and less costly production process. The first in vivo 

tests were conclusive and the results of toxicity tests should be 

validated soon. Protocols for the industrial DNA production and 

purification carried out in collaboration with …urogentec are optimised 

and finalised. 

> 1 patent application submitted 


> 1 licence agreement signed with a subsidiary of Merck Sharp & Dohme to use the StabyExpress© 

technology 

> 1 partnership agreement with the ULg (license agreement on patent) 



Development of an elegant approach of 

targeting cancer liver metastases by 

the consortium Radiotarget... 

There is currently no effective treatment to wipe out the metastatic focal 

points caused by the spreading of primary cancers starting from other organs. 

The Radiotarget consortium, which was set up in 2011 and is led by IRE-ELIT, a 

subsidiary of the National Institute for Radioelements (IRE), is currently working 

on an elegant approach to fight against metastatic cancers with Targetome 

and three university research units. The development of a monoclonal antibody 

capable of selectively targeting these metastases, combined with a 

radioisotope, Rhenium 188 (188Re), which can destroy them, is the ambitious 

objective of the Radiotarget consortium. 

The development of such a solution is a first 

for the radiopharmacy sector 

Less than two years after it began, the consortium has enjoyed considerable 

success : the prototype for the 188Re re-concentration module is finalised. A 

solution of the radioisotope with a high specific activity, produced in accordance 

with the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions needed for clinical use 

can be obtained, thanks to this new module. The development of this new equipment 

is a real breakthrough innovation in the radiopharmacy sector ! 

An agreement covering IRE-ELIT’s supply of the first machine to a centralised 

Chinese radiopharmacy has recently been concluded in Shanghai (see 

the “Internationalisation” section p.36). This supply agreement should lead to 

further investments on the Chinese market. Furthermore, given the extensive 

potential applications of Rhenium 188, the consortium is confident to achieve 

a commercial success. 

Interview with Valéry Host 

– Coordinator of the Radiotarget consortium 

The Radiotarget consortium really does bring together the complementary 

skills needed to make this project a success. Discussions are open and frequent, 

which stimulates creativity and the ambition to find solutions to the 

problems encountered. Furthermore, the initial positive results are already 

leading to the submission of various patent applications to protect our intellectual 

property rights. 


> 1 i-depot for the concentration module and generator (Benelux) 

> 1 design registration for the module and generator (Europe and China) 


> 1 agreement signed with the Chinese company Lai Tai (Shanghai) for the establishment of a radiopharmacy 



The Rheumakit will be marketed from 

the beginning of 2013, thanks to the combined 

expertise of doctors, biologists and engineers 

For rheumatologists, there is a real need for an early, reliable diagnostic test 

for rheumatoid arthritis and different forms of undifferentiated arthritis. Any 

delay in the establishment of an appropriate treatment can lead to the appearance 

of debilitating symptoms for patients, as well as a decline in their 

quality of life. 

The Rheumagène consortium, coordinated by the company Eppendorff Array 

Technologies, based in Namur, involves doctors, biologists and engineers 

from different university centres, as well as the company Eurogentec, experts 

in the development of reagents and kits for genomic and proteomic 

research. This team has managed to identify discriminant gene expression 

profiles in patients’ synovial biopsies and to develop a molecular diagnostic 

kit, the Rheumakit, with a diagnostic accuracy higher than 90 %. This performance 

is far superior to what is currently available on the market. 


1 

The incidence of arthritis ranges from 50 to 

100,000 a year in Europe, and this new tool 

marks a turning point in how this disease is 

dealt with, by generating a molecular diagnosis 

so that the right treatment can start quickly. 

The Rheumakit will be marketed by the company DNAlytics, a start-up 

launched by the laboratory run by Professor Pierre Dupont from the Université 

Catholique de Louvain (UCL), the project’s partner, in the spring of 2013. The 

Rheumakit will be one of the flagship products of this young company. One of 

the original features of the product is how it will be marketed and how it will 

work : it is fully based on a web platform, so orders and payments are easy to 

manage, a diagnosis can be proposed on request, and integrated reports are 

available. This solution uses the latest cloud computing technologies. 

> 2 patent applications 

submitted 

> 1 product and 1 

service developed 

> 1 research contract 

obtained thanks 

to the Rheumagène 

project 

> 1 licence agreement 

signed with the 

start-up DNAlytics 

Interview with Professor Bernard Lauwerys 

– Rheumatology Department, IREC, UCL 

The incidence of arthritis ranges from 50 to 100,000 a year in …urope, and 

this new tool marks a turning point in how this disease is dealt with, by generating 

a molecular diagnosis so that the right treatment can start quickly. 

Our project is one step ahead of the competition, thanks to the strength of 

our consortium, gathered together under the guidance of BioWin. Because 

of the high demand, we are banking on success coming quickly in 2013, and 

we hope that this first version of the kit will soon be followed by later versions, 

combining diagnostic information with a theranostic approach. 



The Keymarker project opens the door to 

a worldwide market for Trasis 

The Keymarker project began in 2009. It is led by a consortium made up of IBA 

in Louvain La-Neuve, Eurogentec in Seraing and Trasis in Ans, who have joined 

forces with four University laboratories. Their goal is to identify new types of 

biomarkers and tracers for in vivo molecular imaging of pancreatic beta cells. 

Within the framework of the research carried out by the consortium, Trasis 

has developed the first GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) universal radiosynthesis 

unit, the AllinOne that is compatible with the constraints in terms 

of place and cost faced by hospitals and radiopharmacies. This instrument is 

designed for the automated production of an extensive variety of short lived 

radiotracers used in nuclear medical imaging. The AllinOne aims to address 

the full range of challenges from the early-on R&D to the GMP routine production 

through clinical trials. This is a growing worldwide market, and around ten 

sales have already been completed in Europe and America. 

Sales of this new device represented around 33 % 

of Trasis’s turnover for 2011-2012, and should 

speed up in 2013, bringing that percentage up to 50 %. 

Interview with Jean-Luc Morelle 

– Managing Director of Trasis 

We are very pleased with our involvement in the Keymarker project. Thanks to the 

support given for the funding of this project, we were able to develop the flexible 

GMP radiosynthesis unit, the marketing of which has already helped generate new 

income for us. Sales of this new instrument represented around 33 % of Trasis’s 

turnover for 2011-2012, and should speed up in 2013, bringing that percentage 

up to 50 %. To support the growth of our business, in 2012 we took on three new 

employees (two for R&D and one for production) as part of a contract guaranteeing 

them a job after the project is over. During 2013, we are planning to recruit two 

or three more people for production and marketing. Indirect jobs have also been 

created. We estimate that three or four full-time equivalents have been created 

by our subcontractors in the Liège province. Furthermore, we are in the process 

of setting up an international network of distributors to market the device beyond 

our borders. Two distribution contracts have been signed so far, one for Korea, the 

other for Canada. Other agreements are in the process of being finalised. 


> 2 products developed 

> 2 distribution agreements signed with China and Canada for the GMP radiosynthesis unit 

> 9 direct and indirect jobs created by Trasis 

> 1 international partnership between the ULB and the St Vincent Institute of Medical Research (Australia) 

established thanks to the Keymarker project 




1 

Galephar launches phase 1 clinical trial 

in early 2013 ! The BioFINa project opens 

new research perspectives 

The BioFiNa project, which began in 2008, is designed to develop new inhaled 

synergetic combinations to treat chronic respiratory conditions caused by 

bacteria producing biofilm. The consortium is made up of three SMEs, Galephar, 

the project coordinator, Microbelcaps and the Advanced Technology Corporation, 

and five university research centres. This project is a strategic one for 

Galephar who, at the end of the research stage, will continue to develop the 

product until it is put on the market. The consortium has successfully developed 

a highly original inhaled formulation combining an aminoglycoside, tobramycin 

and a macrolide acting as an agent to break down the biofilm produced 

by various pathogens responsible for severe respiratory conditions. 

The combined strengths in BioFINa have allowed 

to develop an innovative inhaled formulation. 

This original formulation is protected by a strong patent portfolio. The product 

will first be used to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in patients 

with cystic fibrosis. Ultimately, its use will be extended to respiratory 

infections that are resistant to conventional treatments. The first Phase 1 

clinical trial will begin in early 2013. The first markets to be targeted are 

Europe and North America. 

Interview with Bruno Streel 

– General Manager of Galephar 

The network developed by BioWin has facilitated the collaboration between 

researchers in Wallonia and Brussels. This combined strength has not only 

helped BioFiNa to develop an innovative inhaled formulation, but also to understand 

a new mode of the action of macrolides on bacteria. This scientific 

discovery is first and is the subject of a new research plan. 


> 1 phase I clinical trial planned for 2013 

> 11 scientific publications 



MDxHealth still leads the way in the field 

of molecular diagnoses os some cancers 

The purpose of the ONCOMETHYLOMIC project was to identify and validate 

methylated DNA biomarkers and to develop in vitro diagnostic tests in the 

following fields : (1) the diagnosis of some cancers ; (2) personalised medicine. 

The research programme began in 2007 and ended in 2011. The targets 

were reached thanks to the efforts of the consortium, which was made up of 

MDxHealth, the project coordinator, GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines (GSK), and two 

research centres at the ULg. 

At the end of four years of work, a number of 

interesting biomarkers were identified and 

validated, and a detection kit for gynaecological 

cancers was developed. 

At the end of four years of work, a number of interesting biomarkers were 

identified and validated, and a detection kit for gynaecological cancers was 

developed. It will be commercialised by the Dutch company Self-screen BV 

according to an agreement signed with MDxHealth. In 2010, the partnership 

between MDxHealth and GSK was consolidated and extended to include the 

development of new companion diagnostic tests that might be used in the 

GSK’s cancer immunotherapy programme. According to the cooperation 

agreement signed in 2010, GSK undertakes to work with MDxHealth to assess 

the value of using one of MDxHealth’s biomarkers in a companion diagnostic 

kit designed to be used in association with a vaccine against lung 

cancer, currently in phase III clinical trial at GSK. This cooperation agreement 

has helped to strengthen MDxHealth’s position and profile in the pharmacodiagnostics 

sector. 

Interview with Wim Van Criekinge 

– CSO (Chief Scientific Officer) of MDxHealth 

By taking part in this project, we were able to make good use of significant 

technological and scientific advantages. The project also led to long-term partnerships 

and to the development of a strong patent portfolio that is essential 

for converting modern science into products for the benefit of the patient. 



> 2 agreements signed with industrial partners (Self-screen BV and GSK) 




1 

The Cantol programme gives rise to iTeos, 

a new spin-off to overcome cancer 

Cancer immunotherapy is attracting growing interest thanks to the clinical 

success of new immunotherapeutic treatments. However, the success of this 

approach is still limited by the ability of certain tumours to block the immune 

response, a phenomenon called immunosuppression. The purpose of the 

Cantol programme, which started in 2008 and was completed in 2012, was 

dedicated to study the action of an enzyme that plays a key role in these 

immunosuppression mechanisms : IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase). The 

consortium, led by Euroscreen joined by the GSK Vaccines group, helped to 

validate the role played by this enzyme as a potentially interesting target in 

this immunomodulation approach. The consortium has also developed effective 

tools and methodologies to discover new molecules that can modulate 

the activity of this potential target. The continuation of this promising work, 

specifically the identification and development of immunomodulating molecules, 

will be carried out at iTeos Therapeuthics, a spin-off set up in 2012, at 

the end of the Cantol programme. 

iTeos raised no less than nine million euros of 

public and private funding at the beginning of 2012 

iTeos Therapeutics SA is a biotechnology company set up to develop a new 

preclinical portfolio of immunomodulators with a view to stimulating the immune 

system’s ability to attack the cancer. iTeos, a spin-off of the Ludwig 

Institute for Cancer Research and the de Duve Institute, raised nine million 

euros of public and private funding at the beginning of 2012. 

Interview with Michel Detheux 

– CEO of iTeos Therapeutics 

The initial discovery of the immunosuppressive role of IDO by the Belgian 

team at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, led by Benoît Van den 

…ynde, raised considerable interest in the scientific community. The work 

carried out during the Cantol project helped to confirm the value of this enzyme 

as a relevant target for a programme to discover potential medicines. 

> 1 spin-off set up at the end of the Cantol project 

> 5 jobs created within the spin-off 


strategic focus 


In terms of training, the cluster defines itself as a key player 

when it comes to analysing (present and future) needs for skills 

in the fields of biotechnology, health and medical science in Wallonia-Brussels. 

In order to respond to these needs, BioWin organises 

training courses aimed at everyone concerned (workers, 

jobseekers, students and teachers) that bring together everyone 

involved in the cluster (businesses, academia, training providers) 

around a shared vision. The cluster manages the portfolio 

of training projects recognised by the Government of Wallonia 

(14 all together for a total budget of 13 million euros) and strives 

to promote them and make sure that the results generated are 

sustained. 

When its training strategy was reviewed in 2010, 10 skills areas 

(listed below) deemed relevant for the cluster’s success were incorporated 

into the BioPharE project, which was selected in the 

6 th call for projects and coordinated by the cluster since 2011. 

1. Biomedical development ; 

2. Specific R&D technologies ; 

3. Technical multidisciplinarity ; 

4. Quality, safety and health regulations ; 

5. Production and laboratory techniques ; 

6. Bio-logistics ; 

7. Multiculturalism ; 

8. Management of an SME ; 

9. Management of innovation projects ; 

10. Technological marketing. 

22 • SKILLS DEVELOPMENT


2 

Since its launch in January 2011, and through the BioPharE project, 

BioWin has been overseeing the development of modular 

training programmes specific to the fields of biotechnology and 

health. The cluster also works with renowned partners in this 

sector to develop training solutions and tools designed to improve 

the strategic, managerial and operational excellence of its 

members, and also make them more competitive. This is why the 

BioPharE project is essentially based on the cross-disciplinary 

integration of skills, on training solutions with innovative content 

and pedagogical approaches, and also on the collaboration 

between all members of the cluster. It is BioWin’s goal to sustain 

its training programmes and make sure they are promoted internationally. 

Between 2007 and 2010, BioWin clocked up over 248,000 hours of 

training for 8,350 participants through its training projects. Within 

the context of BioPharE, BioWin has introduced six new training 

module programmes. 



“Stages des pôles” (in-company trainings) : 

a mutually beneficial opportunity for quality jobs 

Two years after it was started under the supervision of five clusters in Wallonia, 

in 2012 the “Stages des pôles” project was extended for another two years, with 

the UWE as the project leader and professional federations as additional partners. 

This project is designed to develop a range of skills that are specific to the 

industrial world in future university graduates studying science, technology and 

management. 

This is a unique opportunity for 

SMEs who, when they have the resources, 

often take on interns. 

The goal To make it easier for them to get into the sectors that lead the way in 

Wallonia’s economy. In practical terms, students are given the chance to complete 

a work placement lasting at least 3 months involving themes that support 

technological innovation in member (or future member) companies of competitiveness 

clusters in Wallonia and the Agoria, CCW, Essenscia and Fevia federations. 

Both students and businesses can benefit from this scheme, the former 

by securing a job at the end of the placement, the latter by recruiting someone 

they have had the time to assess over a number of months. 

The first phase of the project saw the organisation of 148 placements, representing 

57,000 hours. 

Out of the 59 students who responded to the survey carried out at the end of 

the first phase, almost 75 % found a job within 3 months. This figure climbs to 

84 % for students finding jobs within 7 months of the end of the placement. 

The project has also helped to create the platform www.stagesdespoles.be, 

a unique tool to help understand the socio-economic atmosphere in Wallonia, 

with a search engine to target opportunities based around work placements. 

A database has also been created to target potential organisations directly 

and develop networks. 



2 

Interview with Thierry Leclipteux 

– CEO et CSO (Chief Scientific Officer) of Coris BioConcept 

A lot of SM…s are interested in work placements for two main reasons : 

> Thanks to this project SM…s do not have to go through professional recruitment 

networks (so avoiding all the costs connected to publication 

and communication procedures for recruitment). 

> They help match up candidate profiles with the expectations of companies 

because they give them the chance to get to know the candidates, 

both in terms of their professional/technical skills and their human qualities 

and ability to fit in to a team. 

This project offers an interesting compromise for both parties, where interns 

can offer their skills to the company who, in return, dedicates the necessary 

time to their training, supervision and, ultimately, the acquisition of a profession. 

Because of this, the duration of the placement is a key factor in the 

choice of the company : the longer the placement, the more the interns learn, 

and greater the return on investment for the company in terms of time spent. 

“Stages des pôles” 

= 148 work placements representing 57,000 hours 

Out of the 59 students 

> 75 % found a job within 3 months 

> 84 % found a job within 7 months 



BioCel supports the energy of the Walloon cell 

culture sector 

In recent years, Walloon companies specialising in cell therapy, and in cell culture 

more generally, have been developing their R&D and/or industrial activities 

at a steady pace. However, they are finding it difficult to find the qualified 

staff they need to sustain their development in good time. 

BioCel is applicable to all stages of the process, 

depending on the needs identified in the sector, 

to guarantee a level of expertise to match 

the region’s ambitions in terms of economic 

development. 

Aware of this issue, BioPark Formation has introduced a training pathway dedicated 

to cellular biology, a project put forward to the Government of Wallonia 

for approval, to support growth and competition in the sector. 

Interview with Arnaud Termonia 

– Director of BioPark Formation 

BioCel is a training programme created by people involved in cell culture for 

people involved in cell culture. It is applicable to all stages of the process, 

depending on the needs identified in the sector, to guarantee a level of expertise 

to match the region’s ambitions in terms of economic development. 

This programme helps businesses and laboratories increase the size of their 

recruitment pool with qualified staff and guarantee the ongoing training of 

their employees to make sure they are increasingly competitive. Thanks to 

4 training pathways targeted at 4 distinct but complementary groups (jobseekers, 

technicians, managers and teachers), BioCel is a comprehensive, 

integrated, coherent programme that responds to the market’s needs. Lastly, 

BioCel has introduced a self-sustainable training loop with initiatives including 

the creation of a Summer School for college professors to encourage 

training as early as possible. 

Some figures from 2011 

1 st year of business 

> 80 % of integration in the workforce after training 

> 21 people found a job immediately after their training 

> Over 15,000 hours of training organised 

> In 2012, organisation of the first Summer School 

aimed at college students 




2 

The ClinET programme was welcomed 

by clinical research 

Until recently, there was a real need for clinical research training to complement 

the basic education provided at universities. To meet this need, BioWin 

made a recommendation to the Government of Wallonia to approve the ClinET 

programme developed by the Cefochim. 

To date, 96 % of interns who have taken part 

in this training (27 people) have found a job 

at the end of their work placement. 

This project is structured around two months of training and a three-months 

work placement in a company. This programme is aimed at jobseekers that 

have studied science and/or medicine (nursing, physiotherapy, life sciences 

graduates or masters students) who want to work in areas connected to clinical 

research. 

Interview with Monique Dethier 

– Training Coordinator at the CEFOCHIM 

Clin…T is the logical extension of the success of short training programmes 

in the field of clinical research. The modules offered were too short to provide 

training for jobseekers that matched the expectations of businesses 

involved in clinical research, and university courses do not offer additional 

options. The Cefochim therefore proposed a training programme called 

Clin…T to respond to this issue. The programme for this training was put 

together in collaboration with members of BioWin to provide a better response 

to their needs. The first training session took place on 1 st March 

2011. To date, 96 % of interns who have taken part in this training (27 people) 

have found a job at the end of their work placement. Participants are jobseekers 

with a university degree, generally aged between 23 and 50, often with a 

certain level of research experience. Our ultimate goal is to incorporate Clin…T 

into university courses. 



FOCUS, the perfect tool for maintaining 

the standards of scientific, 

technical and operational skills 

Organised as part of the BioPharE project, coordinated by BioWin, the FOCUS 

programme is designed to develop the operational and scientific skills of people 

working for SMEs, large corporations and academic institutions, as well as 

those of jobseekers and students. This programme has been introduced to rise 

to a challenge : to maintain the employability of workers when SMEs and organisations 

need employees who can quickly adapt to technology that is changing 

faster and faster, and that crosses different sectors. 

FOCUS programmes are designed 

to develop technical skills for different fields 

in the biotech value chain. 

With FOCUS, BioWin now offers a solution for developing skills in cutting-edge 

technology, research and innovation, clinical development, production, quality 

management and legal rights. 

The goal is to consolidate this solution to cover the management of processes 

and collaborative projects, intellectual property, sales and marketing and 

strategic monitoring. So far, 102 FOCUS modules (representing over 12,000 

hours of training) have been organised for almost 820 participants. 



2 

Interview with Rose-May Delrue 

– Associate training Director and Project Manager 

for BioPharE training. 

FOCUS programmes are designed to develop technical skills for different 

fields in the biotech value chain for both hard and soft skills. The first step 

was to bring together parties involved in ongoing training as partners to the 

project (BioPark Formation, Cefochim, GIGA FOR…M, Culture in vivo), with a 

shared vision in order to structure the training solutions offered into integrated 

courses that do not overlap but do fulfil members’ needs. 

The new FOCUS programmes in BioPhar… are integrated on the basis of their 

belonging to a scientific, operational or technical area of expertise, specific 

to the biotech sector. They can also be designed as a series of skills development 

solutions, like a set of “Russian dolls”. 

Results after 18 months of collaborative work : 

> 100 modules structured around nearly 60 courses. 

> Consolidation of the solutions offered into competitive technological 

themes for the sector : Immunology, Molecular imagery, Human 

resources, Legal rights, Project management, Local management, etc. 

> 565 participants, 15 % of whom are from industries, 19 % are 

researchers, 26 % are students and 30 % are jobseekers. 

> 15,759 hours of training. 

BioWin has no intention of stopping there. The cluster plans to demonstrate 

the impact of the training solutions that it generates. New training projects are 

currently being planned for 2013. Lastly, the cluster is hoping to introduce an 

official label guaranteeing the quality of the training, providers and trainers 

that it promotes. 


30 • Technological Platforms


3 


TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORMS 

BioWin encourages and supports any idea for a collaborative 

project designed to create an innovative technological platform 

and/or fulfil a need for a critical infrastructure for the development 

of the biomedical sector in Wallonia. The priority of these 

platforms is to facilitate or accelerate the process of bringing 

innovative products, processes or services to market. 

In general, an innovation platform is a physical or virtual shared 

and open infrastructure that offers skills and services. It is set 

up on the initiative of businesses, approved by clusters and recognised 

by the international jury working closely with the authorities 

concerned. 

Its creation is based on a shared range of technological skills or 

services aimed at members of the cluster. To do this, the platforms 

draw in everyone involved from the clusters in question : 

the SMEs (as a priority), large corporations, university laboratories 

and research centres. That having been said, without exception 

the platforms are not designed to take on basic research 

projects. Only projects involving innovative or emerging technologies 

are considered. 

Pooling skills helps to generate economies of scale and encourages 

synergies between industrial and academic partners, with the 

ultimate aim of creating shared strategic added value for Wallonia. 

To date BioWin has overseen the launch of the MaSTherCell production 

platform, and successfully submitted a proton therapy 

treatment and research platform to the jury of the Government of 

Wallonia, in partnership with the MECATECH cluster. 

The cluster is also involved in introducing a Walloon biobank incorporating 

the biobanks of university hospitals in the Wallonia-Brussels 

Federation. 



MaSTherCell, the 1 st technological platform 

dedicated to cell therapy in Wallonia ! 

MaSTherCell is a technological platform for the clinical and commercial production 

of cell therapy products for third parties. It was set up in November 2011, 

on the initiative of the Government of Wallonia and BioWin. Since then, it has 

grown and now has around twenty employees who will soon be moving into 

600m² offices at the BioPark Incubator II building in Gosselies. 

It is currently working on two technology transfer projects on behalf of two 

European clients who are keen to optimise the results of their research on 

the market. It has also submitted applications for approval to the AFMPS (the 

Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products) on behalf of third parties, 

which should be finalised during the third quarter of 2013. 

Without the cluster’s network, 

the project would never have happened. 

MaSTherCell’s goal is to establish a bigger international role by 2014, particularly 

in the United States. 

With the help of the Government of Wallonia, BioWin has supported the project 

involving the creation of a platform connected to cell therapy since 2010. Its 

role has been to define the project’s strategic targets according to the needs 

of three Walloon SMEs involved in the field of cell therapy, gradually specify the 

inherent concept of MaSTherCell and the services it could offer, establish a collaborative 

network with other major partners/suppliers capable of supporting 

the project and lastly, define the criteria for the location of the platform. 

The very positive results achieved by MaSTherCell’s first anniversary demon 

strate exciting prospects for the future in a market that enjoys an nual 

growth of 25 %. 

32 • Technological Platforms


3 

Interview with Patrick Stragier 

– CEO of MaSTherCell 

The challenge was to bring together a team whose members have complementary 

skills to work on a shared project. All the targets have been achieved 

within the deadlines : market research, business plan, funding, marketing and 

communication tools and manufacturing (design, construction, development 

and equipment). MaSTherCell is the only technological platform dedicated to 

cell therapy in Wallonia. A CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) open to 

everyone, our SM… guarantees successful outsourcing to provide production 

services and tools. BioWin managed the feasibility study, chose the platform 

site, contacted the relevant authorities (without the cluster’s network, the project 

would never have happened) and encouraged the introduction of the proper 

procedures (training, involvement in networking events). 

> In Wallonia there is an exceptionally dense, rich cell therapy network. 

> Cell therapy enjoys great popularity among everyone concerned 

(scientists, industries, institutions and the general public), as it involves 

using the body to treat the body. 

The cell therapy market is flourishing, with plenty of new players (clients and 

prospective clients) starting up. 

MaSTherCell’s benefits are as follows 

> The expertise of the team in place with the creation of academic/ 

industrial partnerships to guarantee GMP, the quality of cell 

culture procedures, the management of production systems and 

environmental control. Bringing together the worlds of academia and 

industry adds a new edge. 

> Innovative facilities totally adapted to cell therapy. 

> The background of the managers involved. 



INTERNATIONALISATION 

Within the context of its international activities, BioWin is keen 

to promote the scientific and industrial expertise of its members 

beyond Wallonia’s borders. It goes without saying that 

this goal is key to the economic success of the development of 

innovation ; the products and services that are inherent to the 

field of health are essentially targeting the global market. With 

this in mind, the cluster is regularly involved in activities that 

complement those implemented by the AWEX (Wallonia Foreign 

Trade and Investment Agency) to facilitate interaction between 

those involved in health innovation based in Wallonia, as well as 

those based in other parts of Europe and the world. 

Promoting BioWin’s members internationally also involves 

greater recognition of the talent for innovation boasted by the 

region itself. BioWin has therefore also given itself the task of 

establishing Wallonia as an undisputed key player in the biotechnology, 

health and medical technology sectors. 

Nurturing and promoting Wallonia’s scientific and industrial innovation 

on an international scale, essentially supported by the 

regional authorities, is also designed to consolidate Wallonia’s 

appeal to financial and industrial investors, potential partners 

active in the field of R&D and human resources based abroad. 

As part of its internationalisation strategy, BioWin runs communication 

campaigns, organises networking events with 

other health clusters, takes part in European projects, enters 

into partnerships in Europe and further afield, and establishes 

permanent representatives in regions showing great development 

potential in terms of business and innovation. 

34 • Internationalisation

Delegations in place 

In Shanghai and Boston, as well as representation in Europe. 

Confirmed partnerships 

With Eurobiomed/EuroMeDiag (France), the Shanghai 

Biopharmaceutical Industry Association (SBIA) and 

the Juke Biotech Park both in Shanghai (China). 

International initiatives 

Programme of initiatives, some of which are shared with the AWEX : 

some fifteen initiatives a year with an average of 15-20 participating 

businesses and organisations for each initiative. 

Publications 

> Brochure with a general introduction to BioWin’s work, “Meet the 

BioWin Delegation”. 

> Technological brochure about the in vitro diagnostics network 

of Wallonia (WAL-Dx). 

> Technological brochure about BioWin’s strengths in the field 

of Regenerative Medicine. 

> Website, www.biowin.org, available in French, English and Chinese. 

> The Health Blog of Wallonia, “win-health.org” where members 

publish their innovation, partnership and investment news. 

Networking in Europe 

> Co-founder and Vice-Presidency of the European Diagnostic 

Clusters Alliance (EDCA) 

> Vice- Presidency of the Council of European BioRegions (CEBR) 

> Member of the European Biotechnology Network (EBN) 

Networking outside Europe 

> Member of MassBio (Massachusetts – USA) 

> Member of the Brussels Chapter of the network of 

Indian entrepreneurs, TiE 

> Member of the European Chamber of Commerce (EUCC) 

in Beijing (China) 

> Co-founder of the Chinese-European network, Shanghai Bio Clouds 

European projects 

> Europa Innova / Competitiveness Innovation framework 

Programme (CIP) - ABC Europe (2009-2012) 

> Regions of Knowledge : Tissue Engineering & Regenerative 

Medicine - TERM (2010-2013) 

> Erasmus Mundus - Nanofar (2012-2015)


A centralised radiopharmacy project for the 

treatment of liver cancer in China 

Since 2009, BioWin has successfully implemented a development strategy 

for its activities in China. One of the cluster’s achievements is the appointment 

of a permanent representative of BioWin in Shanghai. He is responsible 

for supporting Walloon SMEs in the health sector who want to develop their 

business in China, and preparing for the arrival of delegations of BioWin members 

coming to international trade shows in China. 

BioWin Shanghai’s support is crucial for 

the development of our business in this part of 

the world, where a local presence is essential. 

He is also responsible for setting up networking events, some of which have 

resulted in the signature of partnerships with the Juke Biotech Park in October 

2011 and with the SBIA (Shanghai Biopharmaceutical Industry Association) 

in June 2010 and renewed in 2012. A fantastic example of this success is the 

fact that the company IRE-ELiT, based in Fleurus, has entered into negotiations 

with Jiangsu Lai Tai Medical Biotechnology Co. Ltd, a key player in China, whom 

they met in 2011, with a view to signing a research agreement in the field of 

radiopharmacy. 

Interview with Philippe van Put - Business Unit Radiopharmaceuticals 

& Business Development Manager at IRE-ELiT 

BioWin’s permanent representative in Shanghai plays a vital role : he helps 

us research and select partners. He also advises us on the China-Wallonia 

Innovation Platform (PIC-W) for the implementation of intellectual property 

protection in Asia, and in China in particular. His support is crucial for the 

development of our business in this part of the world, where a local presence 

is essential. We actually provide radioactive active ingredients that 

are combined with vectors to create treatments for tumours. Asia is a particularly 

important market as it is home to 80 % of the world’s cases of liver 

cancer. Recently, he has also been working on organising a workshop where 

between 70 and 80 Chinese doctors were invited to find out about the therapeutic 

applications of products using our technology. 


Success story / 2 Internationalisation 4 

Global licence 

for original bioproduction technology 

Depending on the timetable and the destinations, economic and princely trade 

missions can be incredibly important for Walloon SMEs involved in life sciences. 

This was the case of the trade mission that took place in June 2011 to the East 

coast of the United States, where a number of major pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical 

groups are based. Well aware of the challenges that the American 

market represents, BioWin, alongside the AWEX, got involved in organising 

a programme of visits offering its members business opportunities. Following 

this networking campaign, Delphi Genetics, a company from Charleroi (Gosselies), 

kept in touch with representatives from Merck-MSD, a subsidiary of the 

American group Merck & Co. After months of negotiations, on 8 th October 2012, 

Delphi Genetics officially announced the signature of a major licence contract 

giving Merck MSD the right to use the StabyExpress® technology in the human 

and animal health sectors. For its part, BioWin has opened a permanent office 

in Boston (Massachusetts) responsible for identifying and analysing possible 

technological partnerships between its members and American players active 

in the health sector. 

BioWin regularly 

gives us a greater 

profile as well 

as networking 

opportunities. 

Interview with Cédric Szpirer – CEO of Delphi Genetics 

The signature of this contract fits in with the global strategy introduced by 

Delphi Genetics several years ago. We actually announced our first licensing 

contract with Sanofi-Pasteur in 2009 then with GSK in 2010 for the production 

of proteins to be used for human vaccines using our Staby…xpress® technology. 

This third agreement with Merck-MSD is broader and focuses in particular 

on the production of proteins in the field of human and animal health. This contract 

is the result of a long period of negotiations. Merck MSD is well known for 

its rigorous scientific assessment of technologies. The fact that it has decided 

to take out a global licence for Staby…xpress® is very important : it proves 

once again to all those involved in the sector that our technology works and 

presents enough advantages to be integrated ! This type of agreement therefore 

allows Delphi Genetics to continue and to re-establish contact with other 

major pharmaceutical groups everywhere in the world ! These contacts deal 

with the same applications, but also new applications for our technologies. 

We do a great deal of R&D work within the company to continue to improve 

our technologies and extend their applications. It is within this context that 

we launched the DNAVac project (a project approved by BioWin) intended to 

create DNA vaccines that do not contain any antibiotic markers thanks to 

our technologies. Delphi Genetics is successfully building on its successes 

and its attendance of many international trade shows represents considerable 

savings. BioWin regularly gives us a greater profile as well as networking 

opportunities within the context of events that we would not attend if we 

had to have a stand all to ourselves. 

IMPACTS & ProspectsS • 37


Wallonia’s knowledge of biostatistics wins over 

a biopharmaceutical giant 

This success comes from BioWin’s networking activities, intended to put 

Walloon SMEs and research centres in touch with potential partners based at 

home and abroad. The recent contract signed by the Liège-based company, 

Arlenda, who specialises in biostatistics, and Crucell, Johnson & Johnson’s 

vaccine subsidiary, is the perfect illustration of this work. It all began at an 

event organised by Janssen Pharmaceutica and FlandersBio in December 

2011, attended by a delegation of Walloon businesses invited by BioWin. It 

was at this event that the Liège-based company first established the contacts 

that would lead to the signature of the contract. Since then, one of 

Arlenda’s consultants has been working with the Crucell research centre in 

Leiden in the Netherlands. 

Interview with Bruno Boulanger – CEO of Arlenda. 

In just over 2 years, 

our company’s 

turnover has 

multiplied by 5, 

which is very 

positive, but it also 

reflects the needs of 

a specialist market 

in which we are 

the current leaders. 

We are one of several biostatisticians to work with Crucell. We actually work 

between Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The contract that we have 

signed is for several years. It involves the implementation of a Quality by 

Design project, in other words introducing a culture, some knowledge about 

research and development for new processes and analytical tools. We collaborate 

with Crucell’s R&D and production teams and our partnership with 

this sector has led to an even broader collaboration with Johnson & Johnson. 

We offer our expertise, which is unique in …urope, of non-clinical biostatistics 

specialising in the field of “biologics” and of vaccines in particular. The …uropean 

and even American (Arlenda has also developed its business in Philadelphia) 

markets are seeing a clear shortage of staff who are highly qualified 

in this area. There is no official course dedicated to non-clinical biostatistics. 

Biostatisticians generally receive their training in the field, building up concrete 

experience, and we are now talking about a specialist niche market that 

offers extensive prospects for growth and development. A thriving market in 

which the regulatory demands are constantly being consolidated. Companies 

who are starting out now in the field of “biologics” are faced with the problem 

of access to biostatisticians with the necessary skills and experience. 

In concrete terms, this partnership raises Arlenda’s profile in the field of Quality 

by Design. In just over 2 years, our company’s turnover has multiplied by 5, 

which is very positive, but it also reflects the needs of a specialist market in 

which we are the current leaders. 

BioWin boasts impressive, diverse skills internally, which allow us to consider 

a whole series of projects. The cluster has helped us expand internationally, as 

before we had even signed the contract with Crucell, Arlenda had launched a 

subsidiary in Philadelphia following extensive networking work which was the 

result of collaboration between BioWin and the AW…X and their foreign partners. 


Success story / 4 Internationalisation 4 

Creation of EDCA, 

the European Diagnostics metacluster 

It was at a regional event organised by the AWEX in August 2009 that BioWin 

first met Eurobiomed, the health cluster for the PACA and Languedoc-Roussillon 

regions (France). 

During the conversation, the idea of creating an alliance designed to encourage 

and develop collaboration between European in vitro diagnostic (IVD) 

clusters was discussed. In June 2011, it was a done deal. The EDCA (European 

Diagnostic Clusters Alliance) was born, led by EuroMeDiag (Eurobiomed’s 

medical diagnostics cluster) and the WAL-Dx task force, which brings together 

around thirty BioWin members active in the field of IVD. 

Since then, the EDCA has flourished. It encompasses 9 clusters representing 

400 businesses (mainly SMEs) and around forty universities. In 2011 

and 2012, a WAL-Dx delegation attended the International Medical Diagnostic 

Convention organised by EuroMeDiag in Montpellier. It was there 

that Coris BioConcept from Gembloux, which develops, produces and markets 

quick diagnostic kits, signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with 

Skuldtech, a local business specialising in biomarkers. This first stage lets 

the two companies share sensitive information with a view to submitting 

a partnership project. 

Interview with Thierry Leclipteux 

– CEO and CSO (Chief Scientific Officer) of Coris BioConcept 

and Vice-President of the European Diagnostic Clusters 

Alliance (EDCA) 

Among other things, …DCA helps to mobilise …uropean organisations involved 

in in vitro diagnostics to make it easier to launch cross-border collaborative 

projects. The Wal-Dx task force plays the same role in Wallonia. 

Thanks to the …uropean momentum supported by …DCA and the regional 

momentum developed by BioWin through Wal-Dx, Walloon SM…s enjoy 

a greater profile and can consolidate their technological leadership in a 

market with great potential for the years to come. For example, following 

a business-to-business presentation led by …DCA during the international 

convention organised by …uroMeDiag in Montpellier in 2011 and 2012, we 

have signed a non-disclosure agreement with Skuldtech, a French company 

specialising in the discovery of new biomarkers and the development 

of new diagnostic tests. This contract covers a project to adapt a PCR test 

(DNA test) for our multiplex rapid diagnosis platform for the detection of 

4 genotypes of virus. This project will be the subject of a funding application 

in 2013 as part of the …uropean …UROSTARS programme (a programme that 

funds businesses who are active in the field of R&D and innovation and who 

put together international collaborative projects). 

IMPACTS & ProspectsS • 39

Contacts 

BioWin asbl 

Point Centre 

Avenue Georges Lemaître, 19 

6041 Gosselies / Belgium 

Tel. : +32 (0)71 376 386 

Fax. : +32 (0)71 376 387 

Email. : contact@biowin.org 

Website : www.biowin.org 

Blog : http ://win-health.org 

General Management 

France Fannes 

Managing Director and 

Head of the Skills Development department 

france.fannes@biowin.org 


Sylvie Ponchaut 

Scientific Director 

sylvie.ponchaut@biowin.org 

Marianne Ghyoot 

Associate Director, R&D and Process Management 

marianne.ghyoot@biowin.org 

Communication & International Relations 

Frédéric Druck 

Director 

frederic.druck@biowin.org 

Responsible editor : Frédéric Druck / Graphic Design : Hoet&Hoet

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