Germany's biotechnology sector is pivotal for scientific advancement, focusing on health care innovations through biologically-derived materials and processes. This blend includes pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, and agricultural solutions, driven by companies known for their pioneering work in drug development and gene therapy. The industry has consistently attracted significant investment, fostering research-driven environments that emphasize personalized medicine and sustainable agriculture. Moreover, ongoing collaborations between academia and the private sector remain vital in propelling breakthroughs, underscoring Germany’s commitment to addressing global health challenges and future-proofing its economy through biotechnological initiatives.

The companies listed are a mix of sizes and focuses, with origins spanning from 1921 to 2022, showcasing innovations from major hubs like Munich and Berlin. They concentrate on biotechnology applications, including vaccine production, regenerative treatments, and cell therapy techniques. Most are corporate-owned, emphasizing a blend of established players and emerging startups eager to shift paradigms within the life sciences. This variety exemplifies Germany's commitment to advancing healthcare through targeted, cutting-edge solutions to complex medical challenges.

Continue reading to explore the top biotechnology companies in Germany.

Top 19 Biotechnology Companies in Germany

1. Amgen Deutschland

• Website: amgen.de
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 97%, Jordan 3%
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: amgengermany

Amgen Deutschland, based in Munich, Bavaria, is a biotechnology company that operates as a subsidiary of Amgen Inc., a global leader in biopharmaceuticals. Founded in 1989, the company specializes in developing innovative therapies aimed at treating serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on oncology and chronic inflammatory conditions. Amgen Deutschland is dedicated to advancing medical solutions through rigorous research and development in the life sciences. The company offers a range of biopharmaceutical products and biosimilars, catering to healthcare providers and patients alike. Their initiatives include educational programs like the Amgen Biotech Experience and partnerships with academic institutions, reflecting their commitment to fostering scientific knowledge and innovation in the field. Amgen Deutschland's operations are primarily concentrated in Germany, with a small presence in Jordan, showcasing its focus on the European market.

2. ProBioGen AG

• Website: probiogen.de
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Latest funding: June 2010
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: probiogen-ag

ProBioGen AG, founded in 1994 and based in Berlin, Germany, is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in contract development and manufacturing services. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including GMP production, process development, and innovative technologies tailored for therapeutic proteins and antibodies. ProBioGen has established itself as a reliable partner for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, focusing on delivering high-quality production processes. With a workforce of around 180 employees, the company has developed over 420 stable cell lines, showcasing its expertise in cell line engineering and process development. Their proprietary technologies, such as GlymaxX® for enhancing antibody potency and DirectedLuck® for transposase targeting, further underline their commitment to innovation in the biopharmaceutical field. ProBioGen's services are designed to accelerate the development of drug candidates, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards required for clinical and commercial use.

3. Sartorius CellGenix GmbH

• Website: cellgenix.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Freiburg Im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Latest funding: $118.6M, July 2021
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: cellgenix-gmbh

Sartorius CellGenix GmbH, founded in 1994 and based in Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany, is a biotechnology company that specializes in the production of high-quality cytokines and growth factors tailored for cell and gene therapy applications. The company serves clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, providing products that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Their offerings include a range of recombinant proteins and serum-free media, which are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of advanced therapies. Sartorius CellGenix is particularly noted for its commitment to regulatory support, helping clients navigate the complexities of product development in the highly regulated field of biotechnology. The company has received significant funding, amounting to approximately 118 million euros, which underscores its growth potential and relevance in the industry.

4. IDT Biologika

• Website: idt-biologika.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dessau-Roßlau, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 87%, United States (USA) 12%
• Latest funding: $243.8M, June 2024
• Founded year: 1921
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: idt-biologika-gmbh

IDT Biologika, founded in 1921 and headquartered in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany, is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that specializes in the biopharmaceutical industry. The company offers a wide range of services in the development and manufacturing of vaccines, cell and gene therapies, and other biologics. With a workforce of around 1,700 employees, IDT Biologika serves pharmaceutical and biotech companies that require expertise in regulatory compliance and high-quality production processes. Their facilities in Europe and North America are equipped to provide end-to-end solutions for therapeutic product development. IDT Biologika has a strong track record in the industry, having completed over 200 development, clinical, and commercial projects in recent years. The company has also invested significantly in its operations, with over €600 million allocated since 1993, including €400 million since 2011. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their compliance with regulatory standards from agencies such as the EMA and FDA, making them a trusted partner for clients in the biopharmaceutical sector.

5. MSD Sharp & Dohme GmbH

• Website: msd.de
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Amt Neuhaus, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: msd-sharp-%26-dohme-gmbh

MSD Sharp & Dohme GmbH, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., is a pharmaceutical company based in Amt Neuhaus, Lower Saxony, Germany. Founded in 2001, the company specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of a wide range of medications and vaccines. MSD is particularly focused on addressing critical health challenges in areas such as oncology, where they are developing innovative treatments and preventive vaccines to improve patient outcomes. Their work in infectious diseases includes the development of vaccines against serious threats like Ebola. MSD is dedicated to enhancing global health by making their products accessible to healthcare providers and patients alike. The company employs approximately 2,438 individuals and is recognized as one of the major pharmaceutical manufacturers in Germany, contributing significantly to the healthcare landscape through its commitment to research and clinical trials.

6. Invitris

• Website: invitris.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 89%, United Kingdom (UK) 11%
• Latest funding: Other (Grant), February 2025
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: invitris

Invitris, based in Munich, Germany, is a biotechnology company founded in 2022. The firm specializes in the development and manufacturing of synthetic proteins, aiming to create innovative therapeutic solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve agricultural productivity. Their technology is centered around a universal platform that enables the generation of synthetic proteins with high yields and purity. This platform leverages cell-free expression systems, allowing for the creation of novel proteins with unique mechanisms of action. Invitris's work is particularly significant in the context of human health, where they focus on developing solutions to address the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a severe threat to global health. The company also explores applications in agriculture and industrial chemistry, showcasing their versatility in the biotechnology field. With a small team of 18 employees, Invitris is a spin-off from the iGEM Munich Team, reflecting a strong foundation in synthetic biology and innovation. Their mission is to deliver personalized therapeutic proteins on-demand, addressing critical health needs.

7. Miltenyi Biomedicine

• Website: miltenyibiomedicine.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 81%, United States (USA) 13%, Other 6%
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: miltenyi-biomedicine

Miltenyi Biomedicine, founded in 2019 and based in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative cell and gene therapies aimed at treating serious diseases. The company specializes in personalized treatments for cancer and regenerative therapies, striving to enhance patient outcomes. Miltenyi Biomedicine is actively engaged in clinical research, focusing on difficult-to-treat hematological cancers using CAR T technology, and is also exploring therapies for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. Their operations include the research, development, and manufacturing of therapeutic products, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The company operates with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, evidence-based medicine, and fairness, which are integral to their mission of providing advanced medical solutions to healthcare providers and patients in need.

8. PROSION Therapeutics

• Website: prosion.eu
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Latest funding: Seed, May 2022
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: prosion

PROSION Therapeutics, founded in 2020 and based in Cologne, Germany, is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics aimed at complex diseases, with a strong emphasis on oncology. The company leverages proprietary technology to create small molecules that can effectively target proteins previously deemed undruggable. This focus on unlocking new therapeutic avenues is critical in addressing significant medical needs. PROSION's technology platform, which includes the development of ProM-based small molecules, allows for the creation of selective inhibitors that can tackle fundamental drivers of tumor progression and other serious health conditions. The company has garnered attention in the industry, receiving a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council, which supports its mission to improve patient outcomes through advanced treatment options. With a small but dedicated team, PROSION is positioned to make a meaningful impact in the biotechnology field.

9. CatalYm GmbH

• Website: catalym.com
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Planegg, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Latest funding: Series D, $150.0M, July 2024
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: catalym

CatalYm GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Planegg, Bavaria, Germany, is a biotechnology firm dedicated to advancing cancer immunotherapy. The company specializes in developing therapies that target GDF-15, a protein that plays a significant role in cancer therapy resistance. Their flagship product, visugromab, is designed to enhance the immune system's ability to combat solid tumors, particularly in patients who have not responded to existing treatments. CatalYm is currently progressing into Phase 2b studies, aiming to validate visugromab's efficacy in combination with other cancer therapies. The company operates within the healthcare sector, collaborating with medical professionals to tackle pressing challenges in cancer treatment. Recently, CatalYm raised $150 million in Series D funding, which will support their ambitious development programs and further their mission to provide effective treatment options for cancer patients.

10. VERAXA Biotech GmbH

• Website: veraxa.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: veraxa-biotech-gmbh

VERAXA Biotech GmbH, based in Heidelberg, Germany, is a private biotechnology firm established in 2021. The company specializes in the development of innovative cancer therapeutics, with a particular emphasis on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and novel antibody formats. VERAXA collaborates with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to create targeted therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes. Their approach is underpinned by a commitment to quality and innovation in drug discovery, leveraging advanced technologies to accelerate clinical development. The team at VERAXA is composed of experienced professionals from the life sciences sector, enhancing their capability to push the boundaries of cancer treatment. Their pipeline includes promising candidates currently in clinical studies, particularly targeting FLT-3, a molecule overexpressed in many acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. This focus on developing safer and more effective therapies positions VERAXA as a noteworthy player in the biotechnology industry.

11. Richter-Helm BioLogics

• Website: richter-helm.eu
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: richter-helm-biotec-gmbh-%26-co.-kg

Richter-Helm BioLogics, founded in 1987 and based in Hamburg, Germany, is a biopharmaceutical contract development organization (CDMO) that specializes in the development and manufacture of microbial-derived biopharmaceuticals. The company offers a range of services including strain and fermentation development, downstream process development, and drug substance manufacturing. With two cGMP-compliant facilities located in Hannover and Bovenau, Richter-Helm ensures that their production processes meet stringent regulatory standards. They have a strong track record in producing recombinant proteins, plasmid DNA, and bacterial vaccines, catering to both early-stage and commercial products. Their expertise has made them a trusted partner for pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide, and they have successfully supported numerous projects, including those that have reached commercialization. Richter-Helm BioLogics continues to expand its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the biopharmaceutical industry.

12. AiCuris Anti-infective Cures AG

• Website: aicuris.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 91%, France 3%, United Kingdom (UK) 3%, Other 3%
• Latest funding: Series B, $74.8M, April 2010
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: aicuris-gmbh-%26-co--kg

AiCuris Anti-infective Cures AG, based in Wuppertal, Germany, is a biotechnology firm established in 2006. The company specializes in developing antiviral therapies aimed at immunocompromised patients, a group that faces heightened risks from infections. Their flagship product, PREVYMIS®, is marketed in collaboration with MSD and is designed to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in transplant recipients. AiCuris is also advancing its pipeline with pritelivir, a candidate targeting resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, currently in pivotal Phase 3 trials. Additionally, AIC468, an antisense oligonucleotide for treating BK virus infections, is set to enter clinical trials soon. The company has received substantial funding, totaling €74.8 million in a Series B round in 2010, which has supported its research and development efforts. AiCuris is dedicated to addressing the urgent medical needs of immunocompromised individuals, making significant strides in antiviral therapy development.

13. Abalos Therapeutics GmbH

• Website: abalos-tx.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Latest funding: Series A, $35.9M, October 2021
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: abalos-the

Abalos Therapeutics GmbH, based in Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a biotechnology firm established in 2005. The company specializes in developing innovative anti-cancer therapies through its proprietary arenavirus-based technology. Their lead candidate, ABX-001, aims to harness the immune system's power to target and eliminate cancer cells. Abalos Therapeutics operates primarily within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, catering to healthcare providers and patients seeking advanced cancer treatments. The company has attracted substantial venture capital, securing approximately €35 million in funding, which underscores the confidence investors have in their unique approach to immuno-oncology. With plans to initiate clinical trials for ABX-001 in 2025, Abalos is positioned to make significant contributions to cancer therapy advancements.

14. Secarna Pharmaceuticals

• Website: secarna.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Planegg, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: secarna-pharmaceuticals

Secarna Pharmaceuticals, based in Planegg, Bavaria, Germany, is a biotechnology company founded in 2015. The firm specializes in the discovery and development of antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics, particularly targeting high unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. Utilizing its proprietary LNAplus platform, Secarna has established a robust pipeline of pre-clinical programs aimed at addressing complex health challenges. The company operates from a well-equipped facility in one of Europe's prominent biotechnology clusters, which supports its research and development efforts. Secarna collaborates with various pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, enhancing its capabilities in drug development. The company has not reported any funding rounds, indicating a self-sustained operational model thus far. Secarna's innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it as a significant player in the biotechnology sector.

15. ISAR Bioscience GmbH

• Website: isarbioscience.de
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Planegg, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: isar-bioscience

ISAR Bioscience GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Planegg, Bavaria, Germany, is a private biotechnology firm dedicated to developing regenerative therapies. The company specializes in creating innovative treatments for diseases such as dementia and heart failure through the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). ISAR Bioscience collaborates with various academic institutions and commercial partners, providing essential services in genome editing, iPS cell generation, and regulatory support. Their work aims to translate basic medical research into practical applications, thereby enhancing therapeutic development. The company has received recognition for its research initiatives, including funding for projects targeting autoimmune diseases and advancements in Alzheimer’s therapy. With a team of experienced scientists and a focus on translational medicine, ISAR Bioscience is positioned as a significant player in the biotechnology field.

16. Definiens, The Tissue Phenomics Company

• Website: definiens.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Latest funding: $150.0M, November 2014
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: definiens-ag

Definiens, The Tissue Phenomics Company, based in Munich, Germany, was founded in 1994 and operates within the biotechnology sector, focusing on tissue phenomics. The company utilizes advanced imaging and data analysis techniques to provide insights into tissue samples, which are essential for drug development and personalized medicine. Their technology aids in understanding disease mechanisms and improving patient outcomes by enabling more precise diagnostics and targeted therapies. Definiens has received significant funding, amounting to $150 million, as of November 2014, indicating a strong interest in their innovative approach. However, the lack of recent funding or updates may suggest challenges in maintaining their market presence or expanding their operations.

17. Priavoid GmbH

• Website: priavoid.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: priavoid-gmbh

Priavoid GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a biotechnology firm dedicated to developing innovative treatments for neurological disorders. The company specializes in creating disease-modifying therapies using its proprietary all-d-peptide platform. This technology allows Priavoid to target harmful protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). With a team of experienced professionals from various scientific backgrounds, Priavoid is committed to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the field of neurology. Their drug development pipeline includes promising candidates aimed at dissolving toxic protein oligomers, thereby potentially restoring neuronal function. Priavoid has also received funding from notable organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and the Rainwater Charitable Foundation to advance its research initiatives. This support underscores the relevance and potential impact of their work in the biotechnology industry.

18. UCB Deutschland

• Website: ucb.de
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Monheim Am Rhein, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Founded year: 1928
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: ucb-deutschland

UCB Deutschland, based in Monheim Am Rhein, North Rhine-Westphalia, is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the development of innovative treatments for patients suffering from severe diseases. Founded in 1928, UCB Pharma GmbH operates with a strong focus on immunology and neurology, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients through advanced research and development. The company is dedicated to understanding the challenges faced by individuals with serious health conditions and strives to create effective solutions. UCB Deutschland also emphasizes sustainability and community health initiatives, reflecting a commitment to both patient welfare and environmental responsibility. Their product portfolio includes several notable medications, and they actively engage in clinical studies to further their research efforts.

19. Navigo Proteins GmbH

• Website: navigo-proteins.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Halle (Saale), Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Latest funding: February 2017
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: navigo-proteins-gmbh

Navigo Proteins GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Halle (Saale), Germany, is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering and biopharmaceutical development. The company is known for its innovative technologies, including Precision Capturing® and Precision Targeting, which are designed to provide custom affinity ligands and efficient protein purification methods. Navigo Proteins collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to enhance drug development processes, focusing on creating tailored solutions for complex biotherapeutics. Their team consists of experienced scientists and engineers with expertise in protein chemistry, analytics, and molecular biology. The company operates within a vibrant biotech ecosystem, benefiting from proximity to renowned scientific institutions and fostering collaboration opportunities. Navigo Proteins aims to revolutionize the production of biopharmaceuticals and improve therapeutic outcomes through their advanced protein engineering capabilities.

Biotechnology Insights: Key Companies in Germany

Company	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Ownership
Amgen Deutschland	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	501-1000	1989	Private
ProBioGen AG	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	201-500	1994	Corporate
Sartorius CellGenix GmbH	Freiburg Im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	51-200	1994	Corporate
IDT Biologika	Dessau-Roßlau, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany	1001-5000	1921	Corporate
MSD Sharp & Dohme GmbH	Amt Neuhaus, Lower Saxony, Germany	1001-5000	2001	Private
Invitris	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2022	Venture Capital
Miltenyi Biomedicine	Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	51-200	2019	Private
PROSION Therapeutics	Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	1-10	2020	Venture Capital
CatalYm GmbH	Planegg, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2016	Private Equity
VERAXA Biotech GmbH	Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	11-50	2021	Private
Richter-Helm BioLogics	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	201-500	1987	Private
AiCuris Anti-infective Cures AG	Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	51-200	2006	Venture Capital
Abalos Therapeutics GmbH	Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2005	Venture Capital
Secarna Pharmaceuticals	Planegg, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2015	Private
ISAR Bioscience GmbH	Planegg, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2016	Private
Definiens, The Tissue Phenomics Company	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	51-200	1994	Corporate
Priavoid GmbH	Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2017	Private
UCB Deutschland	Monheim Am Rhein, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	501-1000	1928	Private
Navigo Proteins GmbH	Halle (Saale), Saxony-Anhalt, Germany	51-200	2017	Corporate

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