DINAMIQS Opens Switzerland's First cGMP Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility, Partners with SEAL Therapeutics for Muscular Dystrophy Gene Therapy
Key Insights
DINAMIQS (search), a Siegfried (search) company, has inaugurated Switzerland's first state-of-the-art cGMP manufacturing facility for viral vectors in Zurich's Bio-Technopark.
The 2,500m² facility offers end-to-end viral vector gene therapy (search) manufacturing capabilities with production capacity up to 1,000L scale under one roof.
DINAMIQS (search) announced a strategic collaboration with SEAL Therapeutics (search) to develop gene therapy for LAMA2 related muscular dystrophy (search), a severe childhood-onset disease.
DINAMIQS (search), a Siegfried (search) company, has inaugurated Switzerland's first state-of-the-art cGMP manufacturing facility for viral vectors, marking a significant milestone in the country's cell and gene therapy manufacturing landscape. The facility enables comprehensive end-to-end manufacturing of viral vector gene therapies, spanning from molecule design to aseptic drug product filling.
Strategic Expansion in Cell and Gene Therapy Market
Marcel Imwinkelried, Chief Executive Officer of Siegfried (search), emphasized the company's ambitious growth strategy: "Since acquiring the startup in 2023, Siegfried's ambition has been to bring DINAMIQS (search)' capabilities to commercial scale and establish it as a leading CDMO in the cell and gene therapy space. With the opening of the new manufacturing facility and growing customer demand, we are well on track to achieving this goal."
The facility strengthens Siegfried (search)'s position in the rapidly expanding cell and gene therapy market, with new laboratory space already operational since Q3 2024.
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
Located in Zurich's Bio-Technopark, the 2,500m² cGMP facility consolidates R&D, clinical, and commercial viral vector manufacturing operations under one roof. The facility features production capacity up to 1,000L scale, utilizing a modular, segregated design with state-of-the-art closed, single-use technologies to ensure strict containment, rapid turnaround times, and full GMP compliance.
Martin Kessler, Chief Executive Officer of DINAMIQS (search), highlighted the facility's comprehensive approach: "One of the biggest challenges that cell and gene therapy developers face today is scalability in process development and manufacturing. With the design of our facilities in Zurich, we enable our customers to get everything they need from one partner and one location. We offer lead optimization, R&D production and now also clinical and commercial supply – saving customers time and money when bringing their therapies to patients."
Strategic Partnership for Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
Coinciding with the facility inauguration, DINAMIQS (search) announced its intention to enter a strategic collaboration with SEAL Therapeutics (search), a spin-off from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel. The partnership focuses on developing an innovative gene therapy designed to address functional defects causing LAMA2 related muscular dystrophy (search), a severe childhood-onset disease characterized by progressive muscle loss with no current treatment options.
The research team, led by Professor Dr. Markus Rüegg, Dr. Judith Reinhard, and Dr. Thomas Meier, will receive support from DINAMIQS (search) experts to scale up production of their innovative gene therapy, facilitating the transition from laboratory research toward potential patient treatment.
Markus Rüegg, Chief Executive Officer of SEAL Therapeutics (search), explained their partner selection: "To advance our viral vector-based gene therapy toward clinical application, we chose DINAMIQS (search) for their specific expertise with the vector we require, their large-scale production capabilities, and their collaborative approach as a trusted Swiss-based partner."
Company Background and Market Position
DINAMIQS (search) operates as a science-driven Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), offering comprehensive viral vector development and manufacturing solutions. The company provides customized manufacturing services, process development, quality control, and analytics solutions for genetic medicine companies, serving both large and emerging biopharma customers.
The Siegfried (search) Group, publicly listed on SIX Swiss Exchange, achieved sales of CHF 1.295 billion in 2024 and employed over 3,800 people across thirteen sites on three continents as of December 31, 2024. The company maintains a global presence with facilities in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Malta, the USA, and China.