SynuCa Therapeutics wins BioVaria Award for Parkinson’s therapy
Panosome impressed with an antibody platform for targets where conventional methods have long failed
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The 18th BioVaria brought a record 360 participants from across the international life-science community to Munich. As Europe's leading platform for commercially promising academic innovations, BioVaria connects researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners - accelerating the path from discovery to application.
Ascenion, which founded BioVaria and has since organized the event together with leading European technology transfer offices, celebrated its 25th anniversary alongside the programme.
BioVaria 2026 featured 53 patented technologies spanning therapeutics, diagnostics, platform technologies, medical devices, and digital health. Ten start-ups competed in the Startup Pitch & Partner programme, and ten projects from the ForTra and GO-Bio initial funding programmes presented their work to an international audience of investors and industry partners in the category ‘Early-Stage Innovations’, many of them for the very first time.
The 2026 Winners of the Startup Pitch & Partner Awards are:
- SynuCa Therapeutics in the category ‘Emerging’: The Danish biotech company is developing a first-in-class, disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson's disease, targeting the root neurological cause rather than symptoms alone. 'We wish to thank the external jury for nominating us “Selected Startup”, and subsequently declaring us winner of the best pitch in the category Emerging Startup.This recognition is a testimony to the actuality of the science, and quality of the leadership and research team in SynuCa Tx. We strive on an everyday-basis to turn this into a transformative treatment option for patients living with Parkinson’s Disease, and related disorders.’ Lasse Reimer, CEO, SynuCa Therapeutics
- Panosome in the category ‘Rising’: Panosome's proprietary VAST antibody platform generates high-quality antibodies against targets that have long defeated conventional methods, including small molecules, sugars, and lipids. ‘BioVaria was an exceptional experience for Panosome: from pitching on stage, to engaging discussions at our booth, to intense (and fun!) investor speed dating — and even some relaxed networking at the Augustiner Keller — this event truly had it all.’ Katharina Urban, Katharina Urban, Team Lead & Strategic Relations Manager, Panosome
Among the early-stage innovations, CollimateHealth (ForTra) and VIVA-VEK 2 (GO-Bio initial) were recognized for the outstanding pitch and innovativeness of their respective approaches. Collimate is pioneering ultra-precise, hair-thin beam radiotherapy for previously incurable tumours, whereas VIVA-VEK 2 is advancing a vaccine platform designed to offer lifelong protection without boosters.
On the first evening, the BioVaria community joined Ascenion in marking 25 years since the company's founding. Colleagues, partners, and long-time companions shared memories of a journey that has helped bring countless research results into real-world application, today benefiting millions of people worldwide. Joachim Rothe, longstanding member of Ascenion’s advisory board, captured the mood: ‘Successful transfer is built on trust. Ascenion's team has earned that trust – and kept it.’
Mark your calendar for BioVaria 2027: 3-4 May 2027
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Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous