NorthX Biologics is an established provider of process development and manufacturing services with expertise in the biologics used in vaccines, gene therapy and other advanced applications. Headquartered in Matfors in central Sweden, the company has been manufacturing biologics to GMP since 1992, with a proven track record of converting early-stage processes into manufacturing processes suitable for clinical applications and on into commercialization.
In 2021 NorthX was designated a national innovation hub for advanced therapies and vaccines, with the ambition to become a leading cell and gene therapy manufacturer and partner for innovative drug development companies.
Expanded capability
In summer 2023, the business entered a new stage that will significantly enhance its position not only in the Nordics but also further afield – in July, the company completed the acquisition of a biologics manufacturing unit from Valneva, the French biotech company specialising in developing and commercializing vaccines.
As stated in the company’s press release, the acquisition includes the transfer of a multi-purpose facility situated in the Stockholm life sciences cluster. With expertise in mammalian expression systems and viral vectors, the capabilities complement those of NorthX’s existing business of advanced microbial-based manufacturing of proteins and plasmid DNA, enabling the company to offer comprehensive services to a wider range of clients.
As a result of the merger of the two companies, NorthX has also acquired a new CEO, Dr Janet Hoogstraate, previously the Managing Director of Valneva Sweden. A distinguished leader in the biopharmaceutical sector, Hoogstraate holds a PhD in Biopharmaceutical Sciences and has worked in the pharmaceutical industry since 1995, in research and all phases of development as well as in local and global leadership positions.
She says that the acquisition has pushed NorthX to a new level. “The company can now draw not only on its extensive experience in GMP and non-GMP manufacturing that has led to offering a broad range of services within the biotech world but now also on the newly acquired capabilities, as NorthX moves more into cell and gene therapy applications.”
Innovation Hub
The expanded capability was shortly followed by another milestone that will further enhance NorthX’s position. In September, the company officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art Innovation Hub at its Matfors facility. With a focus on manufacturing advanced biologics including vaccine, cell and gene therapies, the hub, co-funded by the Swedish Government, supplements NorthX’s existing expertise in plasmid and protein manufacturing by adding mRNA services, reinforcing the company’s position as a comprehensive solution provider in the biopharmaceutical industry.
“The innovation hub represents our dedication to driving innovation and progress in the field of biopharmaceuticals,” said Janet Hoogstraate. “It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of NorthX and the Swedish government, as well as our ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to our partners and clients for bringing new therapies to patients.”
“We will now have a different business model that will include partnership with academic groups, solidifying NorthX’s commitment to advancing life-changing therapies. Our offering is now matching the progress in biotech and enabling us to meet the sector’s evolving needs.”
Social aspect
She further points out that in a market populated with many large and small players, what distinguishes NorthX is its ability to build strong and long-lasting relationships with its customers, fully understanding their needs, based on its excellent scientific and technical skills.
Hoogstraate acknowledges that the company’s ethos reflects the environmentally conscious and supportive environment that exists in the Nordics. “Sweden has good educational programmes so we don’t struggle with getting and retaining the required skills. As a company, we are also actively participating in promoting education, both at secondary schools and within more advanced programmes at universities.” 
Internally, NorthX strives to implement its sustainability-related initiatives including energy-saving measures and the reduction of single-use materials wherever possible. “The social aspect of sustainability is also very important to us, be it education, training and care of our own employees or giving back to the community, to enable further development of people and improving their chances in life. This is an inexpensive but highly rewarding way to improve people’s lives, and this in return improves our own lives. It’s a true win-win scenario.”
Partner of choice
Speaking about market developments, Hoogstraate points out that medicine is becoming more personalised, with a focus on individual therapies. This will bring new challenges as well as opportunities. “Personalised medicine is definitely something that will change the industry, raising the need to decrease the cost of manufacturing. That is the trend, and we all have to adapt to it.”
With its two state-of-the-art facilities NorthX is well placed to face the challenge, and with a growing focus on newer technologies for viral vectors and cell and gene therapies, the company aspires to be the partner of choice for the biotech sector.
“My major goal is to solidify our position in the Nordics, the market where a lot of innovations are happening, and to create a strong presence. In the longer term, we would aspire to achieve a global reach, expanding further into Europe and the United States. With full support from our owners, we can work with biotech in a different way, building long-term relationships with global clients.”
In concluding, she highlights the important of committed, driven and happy employees, the basis of any successful organisation. “People are our most important resource and I’m going to focus not only on management but on leadership. People must feel valued and rewarded, and the people aspect is the key to achieving success in the long term. I want to make people proud of working for NorthX Biologics and to take responsibility for its development. That is one of my key tasks.”
