From one high-level meeting to the next, we focus on accelerating approvals for precision-fermented proteins in the EU.
That’s the only way forward if we want to attract companies to establish large-scale bioproduction in Europe.
On Wednesday this week, we had the honor of welcoming Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister of European Affairs, and her colleagues, alongside Sofie Carsten Nielsen and Mikael Wraae Valsted from DI Biosolutions.
Our founder and CEO, Thomas Schmidt, guided the delegation through our pilot facility, showcasing:
▶️ The history and importance of precision fermentation for the Danish economy – based on the Novo legacy,
▶️ The potential of precision fermentation to nourish the world with high-quality proteins – simply copying what the cows produce,
▶️ The need to speed up approval processes in the EU, and to directly support companies ambitioning to establish bioproduction in Europe.
And yesterday, we attended the fantastic State of Bio, contributing actively to the establishment of DI Biosolutions by having our colleague Barbara Taudorf Andersen become a founding member of their Board of Directors – a reflection of our commitment to making Denmark and Europe the leading hub for biosolutions globally.
Across both meetings, our key messages were clear:
📈 At 21st.BIO, we are proud to develop world-leading production technology for proteins based on a legacy of Danish precision fermentation leadership – and bring it to the world.
🌍 But there’s a global race between the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, to attract the companies who will invest in setting up industrial bioproduction – and Europe is falling behind.
⛔ Without faster approvals, there’s no clear path to market. If companies can’t be certain that their products will be approved in the EU within a foreseeable timeframe, they won’t even consider Europe for production – even when the technology is developed here.
This is why the EU Biotech Act must include fast-track approval for proteins made with precision fermentation. The microorganisms we use have a long, proven track record of safety, already producing many products on the market today.
Europe has some of the best scientific institutions and leading industrial players in the world. It would be a shame to see the next generation of biotech leaders established only in the US, the Middle East, or China.
