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Introducing Wallonia’s
ground-breaking biomanufacturing expertise

Thanks to a long-standing presence of local niche companies and international powerhouses investing in Belgium and Wallonia over the years, the country and its southern region have become an undisputed hub for biotech. The recent growth of the biotech industry is attracting additional investments and is mainly driven by the expansion of biomanufacturing companies in Wallonia, including remarkable CDMO expertise.

First strategic sector of Wallonia's economy

(10,5 billion turnover for the biotech industry)

Highest employment rate in biomanufacturing activities

vs neighboring countries (NL & DE)

Representing

more than 30% of the Walloon export

98%

of the Walloon biotech turnover is driven by biomanufacturing companies

Join a myriad of biomanufacturing powerhouses in Wallonia

Wallonia is home to sites and activities of the world’s leading forces in biotech and biomanufacturing. Here, you’ll be in excellent company among experienced players, such as the juggernauts.

View our powerhouses
UCB centre therapie genique

Remarkable biotech CDMO expertise growth

A longstanding history in biotech has resulted in a strong reputation and CDMO (Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization) expertise growth in Wallonia over the past couple of years. It excels in various ground-breaking technological platforms:

1

DNA plasmid, mRNA vaccines and therapeutics

Numerous CDMOs in Belgium offer EMA and FDA-approved GMP-certified biomanufacturing services to provide material for clinical trials or commercial products as well as analytical, filling and finishing, quality control, warehousing, and storage services. E.g.: Kaneka Eurogentec, Univercells and Xpress Biologics

2

Viral vector-based vaccines

In Wallonia, various CDMOs, provide viral vector manufacturing services for vaccines and therapeutics to biotech and biopharma companies. E.g.: Exothera en Thermo Fisher Scientific

3

Cell and gene therapies (ATMP)

Belgium is a pioneer in developing and manufacturing advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), especially cell and gene therapies.

A variety of spin-offs and start-ups have popped up in Wallonia, developing their own technologies. Meanwhile, specific CDMO biomanufacturing platforms are expanding in Wallonia to answer the growing needs of local and international markets. E.g.: Catalent, Kaneka Eurogentec and Univercells

4

Monoclonal antibodies and nanobodies

Some CDMOs specialize in fill and finish capabilities for antibody therapies. Through their agile way of working, they offer flexible solutions out of their GMP manufacturing platforms.E.g.: Mithra

Ursula von der Leyen
It’s from Belgium that Europe exports a large share of its vaccines to countries all over the world. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Want to become a part of
Wallonia’s buzzing biotech scene?

We’re here to help!