Deep within Switzerland, a forward-thinking company, BioLingus, is leading the way with a sustainable healthcare vision that could change how biological drugs are delivered. The European Technology Chamber (EUTECH) is proud to showcase the groundbreaking work of BioLingus in a field where sustainability, teamwork, and innovation are essential.
BioLingus introduces a groundbreaking solution wherein biological drugs can be conveniently administered in the form of a pill, specifically placed under the tongue, known as ‘‘sublingual,‘‘ delivery. This innovative approach not only underscores BioLingus‘s commitment to scientific prowess but also shines as a beacon of social innovation. Particularly noteworthy is its potential impact on developing nations, where it opens doors to accessible oral vaccines and diabetes treatments at affordable rates. By democratizing access to essential medications through user-friendly administration methods, BioLingus fosters a future where healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.
At BioLingus, we are inspired by the resilience of nature. Our approach draws, for instance, from the remarkable durability of plant seeds, like those of the sacred lotus, of which the critical peptides and proteins (i.e., biologicals) in the seeds can remain viable for over a millennium. So, nature seems to have found a solution for the stability problem of these sensitive molecules. By emulating these natural preservation mechanisms, we have developed a method to stabilize proteins at room temperature, a significant stride in biopharmaceutical engineering.
Another example of nature’s ingenuity we find in desert plants. In deserts, temperatures can reach over 40-50 degrees. In theory, the peptides and proteins in the plant should also be degraded by this. But they are not. Scientists have found a number of causes for this. One of them is that in desert plants, when they are drying up due to the heat, they create a ‘eutectic system.‘ For those with a faded knowledge of chemistry, a eutectic system or eutectic mixture is a homogeneous mixture that has a melting point lower than those of the constituents.
Indeed, likening EUTECH organization to a eutectic system at a business ecology level provides a compelling analogy. Just as a eutectic system enables components to blend seamlessly, EUTECH serves as a catalyst for fluid collaboration among organizations. By fostering an environment where entities intermingle effortlessly, EUTECH accelerates the discovery of solutions with unparalleled efficiency and agility. Much like how a eutectic mixture requires minimal energy input for transformation, EUTECH minimizes barriers and streamlines processes, enabling the rapid exchange of ideas and resources. In doing so, it enhances the collective capacity for innovation, propelling the ecosystem towards shared prosperity and growth.
The origins of some of the products we engage with are particularly fascinating. The ‘‘GLP-1 class‘‘ of therapeutics, pivotal in diabetes and obesity management, can trace its roots back to the natural world. In a remarkable discovery back in 1990, Dr. John Eng, an endocrinologist in New York, was examining the Gila monster—a lizard native to the United States and Mexico. He noted the lizard‘s ability to endure lengthy periods without food. Intrigued by this resilience, Dr. Eng‘s research led to the identification of a molecule named ‘‘exendin‘‘ that was responsible for these extended periods of food deprivation.
Fast forward three decades, and this family of molecules, known as GLP- 1 analogues, has made an indelible mark on the medical landscape. The products, which include the well-known brands Wegovy and Ozempic from Novo Nordisk and Mounjaro from Eli Lilly, have risen to prominence as highly effective treatments for diabetes and obesity. J.P. Morgan Research projects that the global market for GLP-1-based drugs will likely exceed the $100 billion threshold by 2030.
BioLingus spearheads the medical revolution by pioneering sublingual formulations of GLP-1 analogues, positioning itself at the vanguard of innovation. Our goal is to surpass conventional injections, presenting patients with a convenient and minimally invasive treatment alternative. This advancement not only heralds a paradigm shift in the therapeutic journey for patients but also underscores the potency of bioinspired innovation in contemporary medicine. By challenging the status quo and harnessing nature‘s principles, BioLingus epitomizes the relentless pursuit of groundbreaking solutions that elevate healthcare standards and enhance patient wellbeing.
Beyond the scientific ingenuity, BioLingus is dedicated to crafting solutions with profound health economic impacts. By potentially lowering the cost of biological drugs, BioLingus technology stands to make treatments more accessible to patients worldwide, especially in resource limited settings. Our technology is a means to ‘broaden access‘ as advocated by organizations like the WHO, helping to bridge the gap between medicine availability and those in dire need.
Gazing onto the horizon, BioLingus‘s proprietary technology places it squarely at the helm of a burgeoning biologicals market. The company‘s dedication extends beyond mere ‘‘incremental innovation‘‘ seen in the development of oral diabetes drugs; it also embraces the ethos of ‘‘disruptive innovation.‘‘ BioLingus boldly ventures into projects aimed at addressing the early onset of diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, setting the stage for transformative change in healthcare landscapes. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with a forward-thinking approach, BioLingus not only anticipates the future needs of patients but also pioneers solutions that redefine the boundaries of possibility in medical treatment.
BioLingus envisions a future built on collaboration, actively seeking partnerships to catalyze further breakthroughs leveraging its innovative platform. Through strategic alliances with a diverse array of stakeholders including biotech/ pharma firms, academic institutions, public organizations, NGOs, and governments, BioLingus aims to propel drug delivery technologies forward and expedite the market entry of pioneering treatments. Their overarching ambition is to cultivate a distinctive business paradigm rooted in inventive solutions that not only propel industry advancement but also elevate the quality of life for patients worldwide. By fostering these synergistic relationships, BioLingus strives to usher in a new era of healthcare innovation that transcends boundaries and delivers tangible benefits to society as a whole.
Given the unique nature of the technology and in alignment with the company strategy, BioLingus will also support some of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. BioLingus‘s technology and potential collaborations could impact several of these goals, listed in order of relevance:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: This is the most directly relevant goal. BioLingus‘s technology aims to improve the delivery and accessibility of medications. By potentially offering a non-invasive, more stable, and accessible form of drug delivery, they could significantly contribute to improving health outcomes worldwide.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: BioLingus‘s innovative platform represents progress in industry and infrastructure. Developing stable, oral formulations of drugs is at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical technology and could redefine how medications are manufactured and delivered.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Collaborations with various stakeholders, including pharma companies, governments, and NGOs, are crucial for driving progress toward the SDGs. BioLingus‘s partnerships can foster a spirit of cooperation and shared expertise, amplifying the impact of their technology.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequality: By making medications more accessible and easier to administer, BioLingus could help reduce health disparities, particularly for people in low- and middle-income countries who may lack access to healthcare facilities and services.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The development of oral drugs that do not require cold chain storage could reduce the environmental impact of drug production and distribution, aligning with sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
In perfect harmony with EUTECH‘s overarching mission, BioLingus stands as a sterling example of technology harnessed for the greater good. It seamlessly integrates economic viability with a profound sense of social responsibility and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. More than a mere pioneer in drug delivery, BioLingus is a trailblazer shaping a future where health and sustainability intersect seamlessly. By championing BioLingus, we champion a vision of a healthier, more sustainable world. We invite you to join us in not just celebrating, but actively supporting this revolutionary journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
