The key facts about the biomanufacturing sector

👉 In Orléans, a laboratory innovates in mRNA 

The Inserm ART ARNm laboratory at Orléans University Hospital opened its doors to the press to present its work on producing mRNA from yeast. “If it works as we hope, it will greatly facilitate our production and reduce the price,” laboratory director Chantal Pichon told Le Figaro. Another team, led by Dr. Birane Beye, is working on a treatment for pancreatic cancer that combines mRNA and ultrasound. The idea is to make the tumor more permeable and receptive to therapy using these mechanical waves, explains Le Parisien. While the United States has stopped funding future messenger RNA vaccines, Chantal Pichon sees this as “an opportunity for Europe to take the lead in this field.”

👉 EFS creates a national bioproduction department

The French Blood Establishment (EFS) is strengthening its position in bioproduction by creating a dedicated national department, with the stated aim of becoming a more visible and structured CDMO player, in line with the ambitions of France 2030.  In an interview, Hubert Méchain, appointed National Director of Bioproduction, emphasizes that this reorganization aims to coordinate the EFS's four production platforms and “move up a gear” to meet the expectations of industrial partners. The organization highlights its long-standing expertise: “The first cell therapy was blood transfusion,” he points out, emphasizing the EFS's unique expertise in cell handling and production.

👉 Brussels unveils its strategy for the bioeconomy

The European Commission has presented a new plan to unlock the potential of the bioeconomy, already a major sector in the EU with 17 million jobs (8% of European jobs) and a value of €2.7 trillion in 2023. The plan focuses on sustainable bio-industry, support for start-ups, regulatory simplification, and talent training, with the aim of accelerating the commercialization of innovations and strengthening European competitiveness. Financial levers have also been announced, including a Scale-up Europe fund with a budget of €10 billion and up to €70 billion available from the European Investment Bank (EIB) via TechEU by 2027.