Our R&D Specialisms

Ipsen has a leading-edge technological platform in toxins, in which we stand out for our acknowledged expertise. This specialist knowledge also opens the door to the possibility of strong external partnerships in the field. With their unique properties, toxin molecules offer potential in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders, as well as for pain and aesthetic medicine.

 

Botulinum Toxins

Ipsen scientists have spent 25 years researching the mechanisms and potential applications of botulinum toxin type A. This complex protein is an extremely powerful neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Now used in the treatment of spasticity, botulinum toxin inhibitors make it an effective treatment for conditions affecting the junction between the muscle and the nerve, at the root of hypercontraction of some parts of the body. This unique molecule has a much broader range of potential therapeutic applications in many areas, mainly in neurology, but also in oncology, endocrinology and aesthetic medicine.

Ipsen is one of the very few companies to master the manufacture and control of this product, together with the technologies required to explore new applications and to develop new toxin-based products.

 

Recombinant Toxins

Produced conventionally by the extraction of the bacterial strains obtained from cultures, new techniques open the way for recombinant production of the toxins. Introduced into the bacterial strain, genes provide new sequencing and offer the potential for “on-demand” modification of the properties of the toxins.

Based in Milton Park, Oxford, in the UK, Ipsen Bioinnovation (formerly known as Syntaxin) is a leader in the field of recombinant botulinum toxin technology with expertise in natural recombinant botulinum toxins and modified recombinant botulinum toxins. This R&D center is at the forefront of Ipsen’s expertise thanks to a platform of highly differentiated and innovative toxins with 75 patents granted and over 130 patents pending. Ipsen has also started collaborating with the Harvard Medical School on research to explore novel recombinant botulinum toxins for the treatment of serious neurological disorders.

13%

Percentage of sales invested in R&D in 2016

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  • R&D at a glance
  • Our R&D strategy
  • Pipeline
  • Clinical trials
  • Our R&D Specialisms
  • Our R&D Power Bases

    • R&D at a glance

    Ipsen’s commitment to research & development is our bold promise to patients to launch at least one new drug or meaningful new indication every year. We will secure our future by building a pipeline of innovative medicines, establishing our leadership position in key therapeutic areas, ensuring sustainable lifecycle management and, most importantly, creating a company of inspiring people throughout our R&D organization.

    Our R&D strategy

    As a global biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on innovation and specialty care, we have the ambition to build a robust, valuable and sustainable portfolio of innovative medicines to meet our patient’s needs. Our R&D strategy is guided by our end goal to ensure that we bring innovative medicines to market as quickly as possible to address unmet patient needs in the areas of Oncology, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases.

    Pipeline

    Ipsen’s R&D has a valuable pipeline encompassing both lifecycle management of our well-established products and the development of innovative new molecules, including small molecules, neurotoxins and theranostics.

    Clinical Trials

    Our biotech mindset, combined with the scale and advantages of a global pharmaceutical company, has established us as a development powerhouse in our core areas of focus. A global network of healthcare professionals help us test new treatments and ensure their efficacy and safety by conducting studies called clinical trials.We have therapeutically-aligned teams, global expertise in regulatory affairs, patient safety and medical affairs, as well as a proven ability to bring new, life changing therapies successfully through clinical development.

    Our R&D Power Bases

    We decided to locate our main R&D centres in world-class scientific hubs to take advantage of the networking opportunities and to progress our external innovation philosophy within established scientific ecosystems. Our three main sites are connected as an ‘innovation grid’, sharing real-time information, allowing us to adapt and focus capabilities to maximize our search and evaluation strategies on a global scale.