Fisch believes that switching to a stable cell line for adeno-associated virus (AAV) production could significantly reduce costs and enhance consistency in gene therapy manufacturing.

Igor Fisch co-founded NewBiologix in 2020 with $50 million in funding after Selexis, a company he co-founded in 2001, was acquired by a Japanese firm.

Fisch's academic background includes a PhD from the University of Geneva and a postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge, followed by a position as an assistant professor at EPFL in Switzerland.

The strong biotech community in Switzerland not only fosters innovation but also supports the retention of skilled professionals, which is vital for the growth of companies like NewBiologix.

By focusing on improving the manufacturing process for gene therapies, NewBiologix aims to address the existing challenges and pave the way for more effective treatments.

The market for gene therapies is currently limited as they primarily target rare diseases, but improving manufacturing processes could expand their acceptance and benefit a larger patient population.

At Selexis, Fisch helped develop a technology that accelerated the creation of drug-producing cell lines, which contributed to 134 drug candidates entering clinical trials by 2017, with seven successfully reaching the market.

Fisch finds great satisfaction in translating scientific advancements into real-world applications, a passion that has driven his work at both Selexis and NewBiologix.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, Fisch enjoys skiing, diving, and socializing, highlighting the importance of surrounding himself with the right colleagues as he progresses in his career.

NewBiologix aims to tackle the current challenges in gene therapy manufacturing, which are largely due to the reliance on recombinant AAVs and the inherent variability in production processes.

At NewBiologix, Fisch values the collaborative environment where experienced scientists motivate each other to innovate, despite the inherent challenges of scientific research.

Switzerland's robust education system and vibrant biotech community play a crucial role in retaining talent, which is essential for the success of companies like NewBiologix.