Through the BioFinland Award, the Finnish Bioindustries aims to recognize significant and long-term contributions to medical production development in Finland. FinVector Oy achieved a significant milestone in 2022 when a first-of-a-kind viral-based gene therapy treatment, Adstiladrin®, which the company had been developing for the treatment of non-muscular invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FinVector Oy, an internationally renowned biopharmaceutical company, specializes in cGMP manufacturing viral-based gene therapies. Founded in 1993 at the former University of Kuopio, the company has emerged as a pioneer in its field with over 30 years of experience in cGMP drug production. FinVector’s operations are centered in Savilahti, Kuopio, employing nearly 500 professionals from various fields that represent over 50 different nationalities. FinVector is part of the international Ferring Ventures. Since 2014, the Ferring Group has invested over 600 million euros in the development of this treatment, of which more than half has been directed toward Finland and Kuopio.
The development of precision medicines is set to revolutionize the treatment of various serious diseases. The adenovirus-based gene therapy treatments, such as those used by FinVector, will create effective treatments for many currently incurable illnesses. The company has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In calendar year 2023 alone, FinVector hired 171 new employees, doubling the workforce compared to two years back.
The company’s new four-story, 25,000-square-meter production unit, named Finport, is set to become one of the world’s largest facilities for manufacturing gene therapy treatments. The building is nearing completion and will commence full-scale operations within the next two years. In addition to production, the new facility will house storage, laboratory, and office spaces. It incorporates renewable energy solutions such as geothermal and solar energy. Furthermore, FinVector is pursuing the LEED environmental certification for sustainable construction practices in this new unit.
“We are deeply honoured to accept this prestigious award. It is a testament to years of hard work by many and dedication in the Kuopio area. This award reinforces our focus on improving lives through science, and most importantly delivering hope to patients”, says Matthias Krieger, Managing Director of FinVector Oy.
“FinVector Oy has persistently developed a new technology in Finland that has also achieved global commercial success. Based on these merits, the board of Finnish Bioindustries (Suomen Bioteollisuus ry) selected FinVector Oy as the recipient of the BioFinland Award,” says Pekka Kekki, Chairman of the Board of Finnish Bioindustries.
The BioFinland Award, jointly granted by Finnish Bioindustries and the Finnish Fair Foundation, is awarded every two years to a Finnish individual, group, community, or company that has developed a bioindustry innovation with the potential to become a significant international product or that contributes to positive industry image and global visibility.
The award was presented at the ChemBio Finland event on April 10, 2024, at the Messukeskus Convention Centre, with a prize of €5,000. The prize sum is donated by the Finnish Fair Foundation.
For more information:
Communication Specialist Aku Kukkola, FinVector Oy, media@finvector.com
Managing Director Alexandra Peth, Finnish Bioindustries ry, tel: 043 825 9505