Institute Krems Bioanalytics (IKB), the contract research institute of IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, is looking back on a decade of scientific innovation, precise research and significant developments. On 17 January, the occasion of its tenth anniversary was celebrated with a festive event in the presence of Stephan Pernkopf, Deputy Governor of Lower Austria.
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10 years of excellence in bioanalytics: Institute Krems Bioanalytics celebrates its anniversary
Institute Krems Bioanalytics (IKB), the contract research institute of IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, is looking back on a decade of scientific innovation, precise research and significant developments. On 17 January, the occasion of its tenth anniversary was celebrated with a festive event in the presence of Stephan Pernkopf, Deputy Governor of Lower Austria.
Since its foundation in 2014, IKB has set standards in modern bioanalytics and developed into an international centre for cutting-edge research. With state-of-the-art technology and scientific excellence, the institute supports global pharmaceutical companies and research institutions in the development of new therapies – from preclinical research to market approval.
A success story: from vision to reality
IKB was founded in 2014 by Andreas Eger with the aim of meeting the growing demand for precise and reliable bioanalytical data. His clear vision of combining science and industrial practice laid the foundation for the development of innovative therapies. Today, more than 40 highly qualified specialists work at the institute, setting standards in the development and validation of bioanalytical methods.
“Ten years ago, our goal was to create a platform for scientific excellence and industrial relevance,” Christian Lubich, head of IKB, explains. “We are proud to have turned this vision into reality while at the same time improving the quality of life for people worldwide.”
Milestones and achievements of IKB
Institute Krems Bioanalytics is looking back on an impressive success story. As early as 2016, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) awarded the institute with the internationally recognised GLP certification (Good Laboratory Practice). This quality standard is crucial for the acceptance of bioanalytical data by regulatory authorities such as the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) or EMA (European Medicines Agency). Another milestone was the establishment of an endowed professorship in mass spectrometry in 2021, which was realised with the support of the state of Lower Austria. This technology enables high-precision analyses of proteins and biomarkers that now form a central part of research at IKB. In addition, the institute has accompanied numerous drug candidates from the preclinical phase through clinical studies to successful market approval. The data generated in the process is a key component of submissions by pharmaceutical companies to authorities such as the EMA.
Core areas and partnerships
IKB specialises in the development of innovative, customised bioanalytical methods that are used primarily in the fields of immunology, haematology and oncology. The institute has particular expertise in the immunogenicity assessment of protein therapeutics – an essential step in the analysis of a potential immune response to biopharmaceutical products. The institute works closely with international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutions and universities. Its partners include five of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. These strong partnerships ensure that IKB remains at the forefront of technological and scientific developments.
Outlook to the future
The future of the institute is characterised by growth and innovation. Among other things, the aim is to establish a centre of excellence for mass spectrometry in order to further develop this key technology for preclinical and clinical studies. At the same time, modern digital processes are to increase the efficiency and quality of data processing through increased digitalisation and automation. In addition, IKB plans to introduce GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards in order to be able to offer product releases for pharmaceutical companies in the future.
“Institute Krems Bioanalytics stands for innovative research and the highest quality standards. It is a prime example of how scientific excellence and economic relevance can be combined to advance not only the region of Lower Austria but also international pharmaceutical research,” says Ulrike Prommer, CEO of IMC Krems.
“Our successes are the result of a highly motivated team, long-term partnerships and continuous investments in technology and knowledge. We look back with pride on the past ten years and look forward to actively shaping the future of bioanalytics,” emphasises Christian Lubich, head of IKB.
“The Institute Krems Bioanalytics has expanded from five to 40 highly qualified employees in recent years, thanks in part to the financing of an endowed professorship in the amount of 1.8 million euros by the state of Lower Austria. The institute has established itself as a magnet for top researchers from around the world and is a best-practice example of how research results can be transferred into practical applications. This is also demonstrated by the fact that global research institutions and companies cooperate with the institute,” says Dr. Stephan Pernkopf, Deputy Governor of Lower Austria.