| Icosagen | |
| Type: | Privately held company |
| Foundation: | 1999 |
| Location: | Tartu, Estonia |
| Key People: | Mart Ustav Founder and CEO; Andres Tover: Chief Operating Officer; Liina Taal: Chief Financial Officer; Andres Männik: Chief Technology Officer; Mart Ustav Jr.: Chief Scientific Officer; |
| Industry: | Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutical industry |
| Services: | Antibody discovery, antibody development, protein production, GMP manufacturing, cell line development, upstream and downstream process development |
Icosagen is one of the leading biotechnology companies in Estonia[1] providing custom research programs and services to the Biopharmaceutical industry, including antibody discovery, protein production, and GMP manufacturing. Formed in 1999 as Quattromed AS, the company has been called Icosagen since 2009.[2]
Icosagen, based in Tartu, Estonia, is a leading biotechnology company that focuses on providing antibody discovery, protein production, GMP manufacturing, and related services. The company has grown significantly, employing over 200 full-time staff.[3] Icosagen has demonstrated significant strengths in antibody discovery, development and production, particularly in targeting challenging membrane proteins such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters. This expertise is exemplified by their collaboration with Salipro Biotech in October 2023, aiming to advance drug discovery programs against these complex targets.[4]
Icosagen's activities are divided into several key branches: antibody discovery, protein production, GMP manufacturing, and cell line development. Icosagen offers a range of technologies, including HybriFree B-cell cloning and phage display for antibody discovery, and CHO cell-based systems for protein production and cell line development. The company is also engaged in upstream and downstream process development to support biopharmaceutical production.
Antibody Discovery and Development: Utilizing phage display and proprietary technology HybriFree B-cell cloning, Icosagen efficiently discovers monoclonal antibodies, ready for immediate production in mammalian cells.[5]
Protein Production: The company produces complex recombinant proteins in mammalian cells, catering to the needs of clients developing protein drugs or vaccines.[6]
Cell Line Development: The company develops stable CHO cell lines for the production of therapeutic proteins and antibodies, supporting clients from research and development through to clinical stages.[7]
GMP Manufacturing: Icosagen offers Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant production facilities, ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards for biopharmaceutical products.[8]
Icosagen is especially recognized for its antibody discovery capabilities, including affinity maturation, humanization, and expertise in membrane proteins like GPCRs. They use a proprietary CHO-based IcoCell producer cell line for efficient cell line development.
In March 2023, Icosagen acquired the Carterra LSA platform to enhance its high-throughput antibody screening capabilities, facilitating the discovery and development of new therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies.[9]
Icosagen's commitment to quality is underscored by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, reflecting adherence to international quality management standards.[10]
The company employs skilled professionals, including PhD-trained scientists and project managers, who provide personalized solutions for challenging projects.[11]
Through continuous development and improvement of its products, technologies, and services, Icosagen aims to provide additional innovation and benefits to its customers, solidifying its position as a leading biotechnology group in Estonia.[12]
Icosagen AS, originally established as Quattromed in 1999, has evolved significantly over the years.
Founding and Early Years (1999–2008)In 1999, Quattromed was founded by four individuals: Marika Mikelsaar, Helme Raukas, Ain Laving, and Mart Ustav. The company's initial focus was on developing molecular genetic methods for detecting infectious diseases, including papillomavirus, herpes, and hepatitis.[13]
By 2008, Quattromed had become the largest diagnostics company in Estonia, employing 80 people. That year, the diagnostics division was sold, leading to the formation of Synlab Eesti OÜ. The remaining biotechnology segment was rebranded as Icosagen, shifting its core business to contract work for the development of biopharmaceuticals.[14]
Expansion and Growth (2009–2022)Under the leadership of founder and CEO Mart Ustav, Icosagen expanded its services to include antibody discovery, protein production, and cell line development. The company established itself as a global contract research provider for the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
In 2015, Icosagen Technologies Inc. was established to provide U.S. customers with access to the company's technologies and services.
Recent Developments (2023–Present)In February 2023, Icosagen secured an €18 million loan from the European Investment Bank, backed by the InvestEU program, to enhance its R&D capabilities and construct a new cGMP production facility. The 1,600 m² plant, expected to become operational in 2024, aims to bolster the biological drug industry in Estonia.[15]
By 2022, Icosagen's turnover had risen to €20 million, reflecting its growth and success in the biotechnology sector.[16]
Throughout its history, Icosagen has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence in biotechnology, evolving from a small diagnostics company into a leading contract research, development, and manufacturing organization.
In February 2023, Icosagen secured an €18 million loan from the European Investment Bank, backed by the InvestEU program, to enhance its R&D capabilities and construct a new cGMP production facility. The 1,600 m² plant, expected to become operational in 2024, aims to bolster the biological drug industry in Estonia.[17]
In March 2023, Icosagen acquired the Carterra LSA platform to enhance its high-throughput antibody screening capabilities, facilitating the discovery and development of new therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies.[18]
In October 2023, Icosagen entered into a multi-target antibody research agreement with Salipro Biotech to advance drug discovery programs against challenging membrane proteins, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters.[19]
In May 2024, Icosagen announced a strategic partnership with Lead Discovery Center GmbH to discover novel monoclonal antibodies, leveraging both organizations' expertise in antibody research and development.[20]
In July 2024, research involving Icosagen demonstrated that anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a nasal spray efficiently blocked viral transmission between Ferrets, indicating potential for preventing COVID-19 spread.[21]