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BioTurku® Scientific and Business CommunityBioTurku® is the leading biotechnology cluster in Finland, an active and dynamic community of bio actors and a centre of top expertise in Northern Europe. Around half of Finland’s pharmaceutical and diagnostics industry is located in the Turku region in southwest Finland. The BioTurku cluster comprises about 90 biotechnology companies, two universities as well as several educational and research institutes and the Turku University Hospital. It forms a continuous chain of education, research, product development, production and commercialisation. BioTurku is part of Turku Science Park, one of Finland’s oldest and largest science parks.

The key competence areas in BioTurku are preclinical and clinical drug research and development, diagnostics and biomaterials. The three therapeutic areas, within these competence areas, are cancer and hormonal diseases, inflammatory and infectious diseases and diseases of the central nervous system. Close cooperation between academic research groups and companies is an essential element in the practical implementation of the BioTurku strategy.

Further information: www.turkusciencepark.com

The key competence areas in BioTurku® are Drug discovery, development and release, Diagnostics and Biomarker development.

BioTurku® – Non-Confidential Publications:

Cancer and Hormonal Diseases in BioTurku®


in BioTurku®

Diseases of the CNS in BioTurku®

■ 140 professors■ ~1000 scientists in 80 groups■ 5500 university students■ 12 Graduate Schools■ 80 new PhDs / MDs per year

Solid Scientific Base – Source of Innovations and Experts in Biotechnology

Diagnosticsin BioTurku®

Cancer and Hormonal Diseases


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Biotechnology Companies in BioTurku®

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Biotechnology Companies

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From research to Products

BioTurku® Companies:

140 professors~1000 scientists in 80 groups5500 university students10 Doctoral Programs100 new Doctors (PhD/MD) annually








in BioTurku®







in BioTurku®



in BioTurku®




in BioTurku®



in BioTurku®




Jan 2014

1. RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROGRAMMES AT BIOTURKU® 3

1.1 Research Infrastructure..................................................................... 3

1.2 Research Groups in Inflammation and Infectious Diseases .............. 6

1.2.1 Pathogenesis of Lyme Borreliosis ................................. 6

1.2.2 Gut Immune System in Type 1 Diabetes ....................... 6

1.2.3 Cell Trafficking .............................................................. 7

1.2.4 Molecular and Systems Immunology and Stem Cell Biology .......................................................................... 7

1.2.5 Identifying and Characterizing Target Specific Probiotics and Prebiotics .............................................. 7

1.2.6 Human Microbiome in Health and Disease ................... 8

1.2.7 Mechanisms, Epidemiology and Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance............................................... 8

1.2.8 Pertussis: functional genomics, immunity and prevention ..................................................................... 8

1.2.9 Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, Prevention, and Total Impact on the Society.................................... 9

1.2.10 Herpes Simplex Virus: Host Responses and Gene Therapy Applications .................................................... 9

1.2.11 Immunogenetics of Autoimmune Disease ..................... 9

1.2.12 Periodontal Inflammation and Infection ....................... 10

1.2.13 Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children ............... 10

1.2.14 Optimal Management of Acute Otitis Media ................ 10

1.2.15 Picornavirus Tropism and Pathogenesis ..................... 11

1.2.16 Human Papillomavirus Infections: Molecular Pathogenesis and Transmission ................................. 11

1.2.17 Controlling Caries and Periodontitis-Associated Bacteria in Oral Biofilms in Vitro and in Vivo ............... 11

1.2.18 Host Response and Molecular Variation in Respiratory and Enteric Virus Infections ..................... 12

1.2.19 Molecular Epidemiology of Health Care Associated Infections and Severe Bacterial Infections .................. 12

1.2.20 Etiology and Immunopathogenesis of Virus Infections with Special Reference to Exacerbation of Asthma ..... 12

2 BIOTURKU® COMPANIES AND THE PRODUCT AND PROJECT PORTFOLIOS ......................................................................................... 13

Abacus Diagnostica Ltd (www.abacusdiagnostica.com) ............ 13

ArcDia Group (www.arcdia.com) ............................................... 13

Bayer Schering Pharma Oy (www.bayer.fi) ............................... 13

Biotie Therapies Corp. (www.biotie.com) .................................. 14

BonAlive Biomaterials Ltd (www.bonalive.com) ......................... 14

DelSiTech Ltd (www.delsitech.com) .......................................... 14

DHR Finland Oy, Innotrac Diagnostics (www.innotrac.fi) ........... 15

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (www.faronpharmaceuticals.com) .. 15

Galilaeus Oy (Ltd) (www.galilaeus.fi)......................................... 15

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HyTest Ltd (www.hytest.fi) ........................................................ 15

Labmaster Oy (www.labmaster.fi) ............................................. 16

Montisera Ltd (www.montisera.com) ......................................... 16

Pharmatest Services Oy (www.pharmatest.comi)...................... 16

Perkin Elmer Life and Analytical Sciences / Wallac Oy (www.perkinelmer.com) ............................................................ 16

Vitabalans Oy (www.vitabalans.fi) ............................................. 17

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1. RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROGRAMMES AT BIOTURKU®

The BioTurku cluster builds on a strong scientific basis - the largest single-location

Biocampus in Finland is located in Turku, with internationally recognised academic research

and education.

The two universities, University of Turku (www.utu.fi) and Åbo Akademi University

(www.abo.fi), as well as Finland’s largest polytechnic University of Applied Sciences

(www.turkuamk.fi) form the main educational structure for the biotechnology research.

In addition to the university faculties and polytechnic, biotechnology research is carried out in

a number of research units, institutes and other organisations, e.g.

1.1 Research Infrastructure

Auria Biobank (www.auriabiopankki.fi/en/) Auria Biobank is the first hospital integrated biobank established in Finland by University of Turku and the hospital districts of Southwest Finland, Satakunta and Vaasa. After starting by the end 2013, it serves as an infrastructure for medical research. Auria Biobank currently holds over 100000 paraffin embedded tissue samples from a range of tumors from various organs. The tissue of origin and tumor type are recorded by SNOMED nomenclature. Routine clinical and tissue-based prognostic and predictive markers (e.g. tumor size and grade, TNM classification, hormone receptor expression etc.) and a basic set of clinical data are available for selected tumor types and collection periods. The data from hospital and certain national health registries can be combined and released to researchers in a decoded fashion to protect the identity of the sample donors. Specimens will be available for research purposes based on applications and approval of the scientific board as specified on the Auria Biobank www-pages. Clinical Research Services Turku (CRST) (www.crst.fi)

CRST is a university-based contract research organization (CRO) that conducts clinical,

preclinical and bioanalytical studies for the pharmaceutical industry and for other customers.

CRST is run by experienced specialists with in-depth understanding of basic and clinical

pharmacology and analytical chemistry, especially in therapeutic areas such as disorders of

the central nervous system, metabolic diseases and cancer. The services cover clinical drug

development from Phase I to Phase IV and bioanalytical and pharmacokinetic services

related to clinical and preclinical trials of new pharmaceuticals. Early-phase clinical trials

employing imaging (PET and other modalities) and other efficacy biomarkers form the core

competence area of CRST.

Functional Foods Forum (http://fff.utu.fi) Functional Foods Forum (FFF) brings together the multidisciplinary expertise for the research and development of high-quality and healthy foods of the future. FFF has a long-standing expertise in preclinical dietary intervention studies and in vivo cancer models. In close collaboration with TCDM Nutrition and Metabolism Unit, FFF offers multidisciplinary know-how and research services in investigating the role of dietary factors in cancer development and growth.

http://www.auriabiopankki.fi/

http://fff.utu.fi/

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National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) (www.thl.fi) The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is a research and development institute under the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. THL works to promote the well-being and health of the population, prevent diseases and social problems, and develop social and health services. THL is the statutory statistical authority in health and welfare and maintains a strong knowledge base within its own field of operations.

Turku BioImaging (www.bioimaging.fi) Turku has genuine traditions in imaging research. The Turku BioImaging initiative represents state-of-the-art technologies in the bioscience community in Turku and is highly interdisciplinary, encompassing all areas of imaging, ranging from molecular to cellular, from single molecule to whole animal imaging, and from single cell analysis of sub-cellular events to high-throughput screening (HTS). The initiative also includes proteomics, systems biology, and computational modelling of cellular processes as their own specific modalities of bioimaging.

Turku Brain and Mind Center (TBMC) (www.tbmc.fi) The center was created in 2011 and gathers twenty research groups from various fields of neuroscience in Turku. TBMC groups are from the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. We are pioneers in systemic neuroscience, molecular neuroscience and brain imaging. TBMC researchers work in multi-disciplinary teams to explore the mechanisms underlying brain function in health and disease. In addition to scientific research, we provide high-level specialized education (PhD and postdoctoral level) to young scientists with a keen interest to excel in the field of neuroscience. Our teams carry out internationally competitive research and aim to break new horizons in neuroscience. World class academics from the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University together with our collaborators will help in achieving this goal. A key endeavour of TBMC is to facilitate collaboration with commercial enterprises and pharmaceutical companies, thereby helping to bridge the gap between academic neuroscience research and drug development.

Turku Center for Disease Modeling (TCDM) (www.tcdm.fi) TCDM is a research infrastructure at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, providing state-of-the-art facilities and expertise for experimental in vivo studies. TCDM carries out both academic and industry associated non-clinical research, and its facilities are also available for contract research. TCDM Tumor Biology Unit provides expertise in performing tumor xenocraft studies, including treatment trials with drug candidates, and the Mouse Genetics and Biology Unit generates genetically modified mice tailored for cancer research.

Turku Centre for Biotechnology (www.btk.fi) CBT is a joint independent department of the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. The Centre provides technical expertise and coordinating services for academic and industrial projects in several central areas of biotechnology. The centre also provides a forum for active interactions between academia and industry. The central areas of research are cell signalling, regulation of gene and protein expression and systems biology focusing on neuroscience, oncology, stem cell research and immunology. CBT has strategically invested in the development of state-of-the-art platforms in areas such as genomics, functional genomics, proteomics, cell imaging and bioinformatics supporting -omics technologies. In addition to serving local needs, based on national profiling of infrastructures, CBT further develops and provides national services in these key areas as well as some other areas (viral vectors, x-ray crystallography) within national infrastructure networks. As a part of CBT’s infrastructure, the Central Animal Laboratory serves researchers campus-wide, enabling other functions such as disease modelling.

Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre (TCBC) (www.biomaterials.utu.fi) TCBC has special expertise in non-metallic biomaterials in medicine and dentistry. The centre has a core- facility laboratory with a comprehensive range of up-to-date equipment to

http://www.thl.fi/

http://www.bioimaging.fi/

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meet the challenges of research and development of novel biomaterials and implant designs for clinical applications in head and neck surgery, cranio-maxillofacial surgery and orthopedics as well as in dentistry. Non-metallic bioactive implants have found to be beneficial in reconstructive surgery of cancer patients. TCBC offers custom-made bioactive composite implants for clinical research purposes. Several facilities are dedicated to particular tasks in the manufacturing, characterization and biomechanical testing of materials.

Turku Clinical Research Centre (Turku CRC) (www.turkucrc.fi) Turku Clinical Research Centre consists of units of its background organizations, the Hospital District of Southwest Finland and the University of Turku. The work of Turku CRC is aimed at enhancing the prerequisites for investigator initiated clinical research, ensuring a high quality of research, easing the investigators’ workload of research administration, and intensifying research collaboration with external partners.

Turku PET Centre (www.pet.fi) Turku PET Centre is a Finnish National Research Institute for the use of short-lived positron emitting isotopes in the field of medical research, with focus on high quality scientific research and diagnostic service for the whole country. The centre has 150 staff members and is equipped with e.g. 3 cyclotrons, 19 hot cells for GMP level tracer production, 6 PET or PET/CT scanners, 1.5 T MRI, PET/MRI (3.0T). The centre is ranked among the top 5 in the world. The scientific research strategy of the centre involves five major topics: Molecular imaging in cardiovascular and metabolic research, neurotransmission in health and disease, oncology research, preclinical and translational research and PET radiochemistry research.

Turku University Hospital (www.tyks.fi) The catchment area of highly specialised medical care in western Finland includes Turku University Hospital in the Hospital District of South-West Finland, Satakunta Hospital District and Vaasa Hospital District. The area has some 862 000 inhabitants. In every hospital district, there is treatment on cancer, as well as cancer research. University Hospital's role is to coordinate both the medical care and the research and development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods with other hospital districts and the PET Centre, University of Turku, and the biotech companies in the area. The new challenge is to create a unit of Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Turku as part of the CCC-Fin project, and thereby more clearly be connected, also nationally, into the therapeutic and research areas of expertise.

Tykslab (www.tykslab.fi)

Tykslab is a clinical laboratory, which belongs to the Hospital District of Southwest Finland. It

serves the Turku University Hospital and other hospitals and general healthcare in

Southwest Finland. The main products of Tykslab are laboratory tests of clinical chemistry,

laboratory hematology and clinical microbiology as well as phlebotomy.

UTULAb (www.utulab.fi)

UTULab is an integrated Turku university clinical diagnostic laboratory, which includes

Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Virology and

Department of Medical Genetics. UTULab analyses clinical samples diagnosing infectious,

immunological and autoimmune diseases and genetic disorders of inherited and malignant

diseases. UTULab analyzes clinical samples consisting of bacterial culture and bacterial

PCR, infectious serology, autoimmune analyses, complement activity, virus tests including

serology, antigen detection, virus cultivation and PCR tests. The genetic tests include

immunogenetics, cytogenetic chromosome analyses on pre- and postnatal and

hematological samples and detection of a wide array of disease and malignancies related

gene defects. The number of different tests is more than 400 and the amount of samples

analyzed annually exceeds 200 000. The staff working in the diagnostic activity is appr. one

http://www.turkucrc.fi/

http://www.pet.fi/

http://www.tykslab.fi/

http://www.utulab.fi/

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hundred. Besides the diagnostic activity UTULab has an active role in research, in

development of diagnostic methods and it is involved in teaching of medical students and

medical doctors specializing in Medical Microbiology and Immunology or in Medical

Genetics.

VTT–Technical Research Centre of Finland (www.vtt.fi)

VTT is a multidisciplinary expert organisation on technology development and business.

VTT's special strength is its ability to create new, globally competitive technologies and

innovations by combining knowledge and expertise in different fields. In VTT Turku, new

high-throughput cell based screening methods and biochip technologies are developed and

applied in drug development and diagnostics. The new technologies, such as organotypic

3D cell cultures, speed up the existing processes and also open up new therapeutic

opportunities. Systems biology techniques are used to identify biomarkers for future

diagnostic applications. Such biomarkers enable more precise diagnostics, and can be

included in the new generation of diagnostic systems, combining biosciences with

microelectronics and information technology.

1.2 Research Groups in Inflammation and Infectious Diseases

The members of the research projects belong either in Receptor Program (RP), Turku Centre for Systems Biology (TCSB), or Program of Infection Biology and Infectious Diseases (PIBID) that are Research programs of the BioCity Turku and Faculty of Medicine, Universityof Turku. Contact information and other details are available at: http://www.biocity.turku.fi/research-programs/

1.2.1 Pathogenesis of Lyme Borreliosis

Jukka Hytönen, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku Email: [email protected] Lyme borreliosis (LB) is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. It is the most important tick-transmitted disease in Finland and also globally. The manifestations of LB include the local erythema migrans infection at the tick bite site and infection of the nervous system, the heart, or the musculoskeletal system at the disseminated stage of LB. Despite decades of active research on the pathogenesis and diagnostics of LB a number of bacteriologically and clinically relevant questions remain unanswered. We aim at answering these questions using genetically engineered borrelia, an array of in vitro assays, and our mouse model of LB. Especially we aim at clarifying the role of borrelia adhesins in the dissemination and tissue tropism of borrelia infection, and in the evasion of immune response and antibiotic treatment.

1.2.2 Gut Immune System in Type 1 Diabetes

Arno Hänninen, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

The aim is to identify the key mechanisms which link gut immune system to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes results from complex

http://www.vtt.fi/

mailto:[email protected]


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interactions between genetic susceptibility traits and environmental factors, most of which appear to be linked to the gastrointestinal tract. These include various dietary factors, enteroviruses and gut microbes. Our studies in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse have revealed common pathways in lymphocyte trafficking between gut and pancreas. Also immune responses regulated by dietary and microbial factors in the distal gut are important. By ex vivo imaging of lymph drainage from colon we define where and how gut microbes and innate immune mechanisms intersect with activation of islet-reactive T-cells. In-depth analysis of gut microbiota may allow us to characterize beneficial and harmful microbes and identify pro- and antidiabetogenic gut symbionts.

1.2.3 Cell Trafficking

Sirpa Jalkanen, MD, PhD, Academy Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku; Marko Salmi, , MD, PhD, Professor of Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Cell trafficking unit is one of the national centers of excellence. The overall goal of our research is to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the traffic of leukocytes in the body. Harmful leukocyte migration into the heart in myocardial infarction (reperfusion injury), into the joint tissue in rheumatoid arthritis and into the pancreas in diabetes are examples of diseases where leukocytes cause extensive destruction. These inflammatory diseases can be prevented by inhibiting leukocyte trafficking to those sites. Also metastasising malignant cells often use the same mechanisms as leukocytes when extravasating from the blood to different organs or migrating via the lymphatics into the distant sites. The results obtained in this research can be utilized when new types of drugs are developed to treat harmful inflammations and cancer.

1.2.4 Molecular and Systems Immunology and Stem Cell Biology

Riitta Lahesmaa, MD, PhD, Professor, Director of Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University Email: [email protected]

Our research aims at basic understanding and novel therapeutic modulation of harmful cellular and immune responses. We investigate molecular mechanisms of 1) T helper cell differentiation to functionally distinct subsets and human immune mediated diseases, in particular Type 1 diabetes and 2) human stem cell pluripotency and certain types of cancer. We exploit holistic genome wide methods and systems biology to reveal cell signaling, transcriptional and epigenetic programs that determine cell differentiation and fate. We have established an international multidisciplinary collaborative network to achieve the goals.

1.2.5 Identifying and Characterizing Target Specific Probiotics and Prebiotics

Seppo Salminen, PhD, Professor, Director of Functional Food Forum, University of Turku Email: [email protected] The target of the team is to isolate, identify and characterize probiotic and prebiotic components, assess their properties and interactions with intestinal microbiota and health. Intestinal tissue with and without microbiota have been used as a tool to achieve the target. Applications include functional and clinical foods and nutrition. Probiotics properties are assessed in collaboration with clinical and nutritional scientists. Specific strains and their




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interaction with the human intestinal mucosa and microbiota form the basis for the work. Interactions with both harmful food contaminants and common food matrices are investigated using in vitro tests developed within the team focusing on future food uses. The team has safety assessment method development and assessment of safety properties of specific strains as priorities. In addition, human intervention studies are a focus area especially concerning non-communicable life-style diseases.

1.2.6 Human Microbiome in Health and Disease

Erkki Eerola, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku; Pentti Huovinen, MD, PhD, Professor of Bacteriology, Vice Dean, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku Email: [email protected], [email protected]

More than 100 trillion microorganisms, mostly bacteria, colonize the oral–gastrointestinal tract, and most of these micro¬organisms reside in the distal intestine. These bacteria are important for us in health and disease. Our group is studying changes of microbiota caused by antibacterial agents, in different gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders and development of microbiota in neurological development of children. The role of health promoting bacterial species, like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and antimicrobial resistance properties of individual gut bacteria and content of the whole resistome of the gut microbiome are of special interest. We have also developed service for fecal sample

collection and specimen preparation for microbiome sequencing.

1.2.7 Mechanisms, Epidemiology and Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antti Hakanen, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku; Jari Jalava, PhD, Docent, National Institute for Health and Welfare; Pentti Huovinen, MD, PhD, Professor of Bacteriology, Vice Dean, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Development of bacterial resistance is one of the biggest health threats for modern society. Antibiotic consumption in humans, animals, agriculture and aquaculture is increasing resistance of pathogenic and environmental bacteria. Resistance genes are easily transferred between bacteria, and resistant bacterial clones spread under antibiotic selection pressure. We have studied antibiotic resistance of respiratory tract pathogens (e.g. pneumococci and group A streptococci) as well as resistance of urinary tract and gastrointestinal pathogens (e.g. E.coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter). Resistance mechanisms of beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g. ESBL and carbapenemase production), fluoroquinolones and macrolides are characterized on molecular level. In addition, antibiotic

consumption and epidemiology of bacterial resistance in outpatients are of our interest. 1.2.8 Pertussis: functional genomics, immunity and prevention

Qiushui He, MD, PhD, Laboratory Director, Antimicrobial Research Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare; Jussi Mertsola, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital Email: [email protected], [email protected]

The objectives of this project are 1) to study impact of changing from whole-cell to acellular pertussis vaccine on incidence of disease and bacterial population, 2) to investigate




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persistence of cell-mediated and humoral immunity after disease and vaccination, 3) to study effect of polymorphisms of innate immune genes on antibody response after vaccination, and 4) to develop new diagnostic and typing tools. The research group is leading a EUpertstrain network in which 13 pertussis reference and research laboratories in ten European countries are involved. The group is currently coordinating an ECDC funded project entitled “Coordination of activities for laboratory surveillance of whooping cough in Member States and EEA countries”. The other research projects of this group are focused on genetic susceptibility to respiratory infectious diseases: crosstalk between bacteria and host.

1.2.9 Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, Prevention, and Total Impact on the Society

Terho Heikkinen, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

This long-term research project focuses on timely issues in the wide area of respiratory infections and their complications in children. The project utilizes various study designs, including prospective follow-up studies of large cohorts of children, randomized controlled trials, and retrospective analyses. The ultimate goal of the study is to produce reliable, up-to-date, and clinically useful information that would be directly applicable to everyday clinical practice and that could also guide political decision-making in this area. For example, an extensive 2-year follow-up study on the total impact of pediatric influenza on the society proved pivotal for the Finnish decision in 2007 – as the first country in Europe – to include influenza vaccination in the routine immunization program for all young children.

1.2.10 Herpes Simplex Virus: Host Responses and Gene Therapy Applications

Veijo Hukkanen, MD, PhD, Department of Virology, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a promising backbone for gene therapy vector development. We develop novel HSV vectors utilizing the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology and study the gene therapy of nervous system diseases using HSV. Our disease model is murine EAE, serving as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS). We develop new HSV vectors expressing favorable cytokines or neurotrophic factors. We develop means of delivery, targeting, and imaging of the HSV vectors, as well as long-term expression using HSV latency promoter. HSV with marker transgenes are utilized in the research of latency and pathogenesis. We elucidate the cellular responses and innate immunity to HSV and HSV vectors, also in organotypic ganglion cultures and long-term cultures of neuronal cells. We also study control of HSV infection by RNA interference with siRNA swarms prepared against essential HSV genes using phi6 polymerase and dicers. We have collaborations with key laboratories in the HSV vector and latency fields.

1.2.11 Immunogenetics of Autoimmune Disease

Jorma Ilonen, MD, PhD, Professor of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

Immunogenetics laboratory of Turku University is a research unit focusing on the studies of gene polymorphisms regulating immune response and especially the significance of these



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polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Environmental factors are also important and these diseases result of interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The single most important gene region regulating immune response is the (MHC) major histocompatibility complex, in humans the HLA gene complex. Polymorphisms within genes in this region are largely responsible for the genetic susceptibility to many autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In the case of type 1 diabetes the genetic screening for disease susceptibility has been used in recruitment of subjects to research projects where children at genetic risk have been followed-up in attempt to identify environmental risk factors and for understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. Trials attempting to prevent clinical type 1 diabetes either before the appearance of diabetes associated autoimmunity (primary prevention) or after appearance of diabetes associated autoantibodies (secondary prevention) have also been part of these projects.

1.2.12 Periodontal Inflammation and Infection

Eija Könönen, DDS, PhD, Professor, Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

The study objects are periodontal infection and infection-induced inflammation, oral biofilm-host interaction, impact of periodontitis on systemic diseases and salivary diagnostics in periodontology. A major part of our research is directed to the use of saliva in large-scale studies to detect the inflammatory process, including alveolar bone destruction, and associated factors of innate immunity with the help of salivary biomarkers and/or bacterial combinations. Another research line is basic laboratory work, where our interest is the interaction of oral anaerobes with host cells in the periodontium.

1.2.13 Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children

Ville Peltola, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

The main project of our research group is a prospective study of respiratory infections in a cohort of 1800 children. Objectives of the study are: 1) To determine the burden of respiratory infections in children, distribution of infections in the population, and the microbiologic etiology, 2) To estimate the effect of social and family factors, type of day care, nutrition, and other environmental factors on the morbidity from respiratory infections, and

3) To characterize the role of genetic variation in factors of innate immunity in susceptibility of children to respiratory infections. The interactive roles of viral infection, bacterial infection, host response, and environment of the child are studied to have a full view of respiratory infections in children. These data are needed when new prevention and treatment strategies are being developed, and the existing interventions are targeted correctly.

1.2.14 Optimal Management of Acute Otitis Media

Aino Ruohola, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

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Study topics are acute otitis media in children: diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up as well as nasopharyngeal microbiota in the pathogenesis of acute otitis media.

1.2.15 Picornavirus Tropism and Pathogenesis

Petri Susi, PhD, Department of Virology, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

The project focuses on genetic variation (quasispecies diversity) of human entero-, rhino- and parechoviruses (within family Picornaviridae). Genetic variation affects the ability of the virus to recognize and bind to its cellular receptor(s) and its ability to replicate within cells, i.e. it plays the major role in picornavirus tropism and pathogenesis, and also affects their use in oncolytic virotherapy. Besides sequence analyses, the molecular research gathers around structural analysis of picornavirus particles in complex with receptor(s), receptor identification, cellular infection and endocytosis studies, and small animal imaging of picornavirus infection. The know-how on viral sequences and structures is also used to develop novel diagnostics methods (RT-qPCR and antigen detection assay) for the detection and typing of human picornaviruses.

1.2.16 Human Papillomavirus Infections: Molecular Pathogenesis and Transmission

Stina Syrjänen, DDS, PhD, Professor, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

Approximately 19% of all human cancers are caused by infections, and human papillomavirus (HPV) only has been estimated to cause one third of these cancers. Persistent HPV infection is a key to malignant transformation. HPV infection has been regarded as the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide. However, growing body of evidence suggests that HPV can be acquired through non-sexual routes; one potential route being a mother-to-child transmission during the peri- and post-natal period. Immune surveillance affects susceptibility to HPV lesions and their regression, and failing humoral- or cellular immune response (CMI) of the host is suggested to be responsible for disease progression. The natural immune response after primary HPV infection is still largely unknown. The prospective Finnish Family HPV Study has been ongoing since 1998 to clarify the dynamics of HPV transmission within a family, to assess i) the modes of genital and oral HPV spread among infants and their parents as well as ii) the outcome of these infections. The current focus of the Finnish Family HPV Study is HPV specific immunity in the mothers and their children followed now more than 10 years.

1.2.17 Controlling Caries and Periodontitis-Associated Bacteria in Oral Biofilms in Vitro and in Vivo

Eva Söderling, PhD, Docent, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku; Riikka Ihalin, PhD, Docent, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku Email: [email protected], [email protected]

The general aim of the project is to increase the knowledge about the principles of bacterial biofilm formation in two oral biofilm-connected diseases, periodontitis and caries. The results could help further development of means to prevent these two prevalent chronic biofilm infections.



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1.2.18 Host Response and Molecular Variation in Respiratory and Enteric Virus Infections

Matti Waris, PhD, Docent, Department of Virology, University of Turku Email: [email protected]

Study topics are epidemiology and disease associations of circulating strains of clinically important respiratory and enteric viruses, focusing on respiratory syncytial -, rhino -, entero- and adenoviruses, development of molecular diagnostic tools for virus groups, individual strains, and their phylogenetic analysis, investigation of host response to infection by profiling the expression of innate inflammatory markers and interferon-inducible proteins, such as MxA. Combined with clinical outcomes of the patients, these studies are aiming to obtain improved total picture of the infections and generating new insights for the treatment and prevention of respiratory virus infections.

1.2.19 Molecular Epidemiology of Health Care Associated Infections and Severe Bacterial Infections

Jaana Vuopio, MD, PhD, research professor, Head of Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare Email: [email protected]

Study topics are molecular epidemiology, prevention and surveillance of multiresistant and hospital acquired bacterial infections (such as those caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, VRE) and severe bacterial infections caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus agalactiae), and characterization of host susceptibility and risk factors to staphylococcal and streptococcal infections.

1.2.20 Etiology and Immunopathogenesis of Virus Infections with Special Reference to Exacerbation of Asthma

Tytti Vuorinen, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Virology, University of Turku, Tuomas Jartti, MD, PhD, Docent, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Vinku study group (http://vinku.utu.fi) investigates the early pathogenesis of childhood asthma. The special interest is on the mechanisms related to susceptibility to viral infections and the role of viruses with special emphasis on rhinoviruses in the pathogenesis: inflammatory mechanisms, genetics, environmental factors, medication and age related development of immune system. Currently, several large clinical cohorts are under investigation in the Department of Pediatrics (TJ), Turku University Hospital. Virology is performed in the Department of Virology, University of Turku (TV).



13

2 BIOTURKU® COMPANIES AND THE PRODUCT AND PROJECT PORTFOLIOS

Abacus Diagnostica Ltd (www.abacusdiagnostica.com)

Company Profile:

Abacus Diagnostica Oy, established in 2004, is focusing on the development of novel, rapid

and simple solutions for DNA testing. Our proprietary GenomEra™ platform is a powerful

tool for routine DNA based testing, allowing a totally new approach with no need for

dedicated laboratory facilities or special trained personnel. The GenomEra™ platform

combines a rapid assay principle employing Time Resolved Fluorescence detection with a

simple-to-use reagent concept, which together with the automated analyzer including a built-

in thermal cycler takes DNA-testing to a new level of convenience and simplicity without

compromising high performance, quality of results and reliability.The first product is the

GenomEra CDX™ system, intended for clinical laboratory use for rapid detection of

infectious diseases. First test kits will be made available for MRSA, followed by an STD-

panel for Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae.

Product and Project Portfolio:

Rapid nucleic acid diagnostics.

ArcDia Group (www.arcdia.com)

Company Profile:

ArcDia Group is a company for development and marketing of innovative immunoassay

products. ArcDia is focused on point-of-care and near-patient testing of infectious diseases

with special emphasis on respiratory infections. ArcDia provides automated random-access

immunoassay analysers for near-patient testing. ArcDia's test portfolio includes, among

others, the pandemic influenza viruses, swine H1N1 and avian H5N1. ArcDia's products are

available for R&D collaboration, licensing, and distribution.


Rapid multianalyte test for respiratory infections. Random-access immunoassay analysers.

Bayer Schering Pharma Oy (www.bayer.fi)

Company Profile:

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and

high-tech materials. The company’s products and services are designed to benefit people

and improve their quality of life.In Finland Bayer Oy focuses on marketing the product

portfolio of Bayer Group in Finland: OTC products of Bayer Consumer Care, equipment for

monitoring diabetes therapy from Bayer Diabetes Care, prescription drugs of Bayer Schering

Pharma, crop protection products and pesticides from Bayer CropScience as well as

materials and chemicals for industry from Bayer MaterialScience. Bayer Schering Pharma

Oy focuses on the international business of prescription drugs: research and development,

production, and export of products to over 100 countries. The plant in Turku is one of the

global pharmaceutical production plants of the Group. In Finland Bayer employs more than

700 persons and their offices are located in Turku and Espoo.


Products from the plant in Turku: MIRENA® - hormonal intrauterine system, JADELLE® -

contraceptive implant, NOVA T® and NOVA T® 380 copper intrauterine devices,

BONEFOS®, a product for supportive cancer therapy, RECOFOL®, a short-acting

anaesthetic and TAMOFEN®, a product for the treatment of breast cancer.

http://www.abacusdiagnostica.com/

http://www.bayer.fi/

14

Biotie Therapies Corp. (www.biotie.com)

Company Profile:

Biotie is a drug discovery and development company focused on central nervous system

and inflammatory diseases. It has a broad range of innovative small molecule and biological

drug candidates at different stages of clinical and pre-clinical development. Biotie’s products

address diseases with high unmet medical need and significant market potential, including

addiction and psychotic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD). The most advanced product, nalmefene for alcohol

dependence, is currently in phase III clinical development by licensing partner H. Lundbeck

A/S.The commercial value of the pipeline has been demonstrated through existing alliances

with top-tier global pharmaceutical companies such as Lundbeck, Roche and Pfizer. Biotie

has operations in Turku, Finland and Radebeul, Germany. Shares are listed on NASDAQ

OMX Helsinki Ltd.

Product and project Portfolio:

Biotie’s lead product, the opioid receptor antagonist nalmefene, is in phase III clinical trials

for the treatment of alcoholism. The Company has licensed worldwide marketing and

development rights to Lundbeck, a leading CNS company. Also in the CNS field, Biotie is

developing phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE-10) inhibitors for schizophrenia; Pfizer has licensed

certain rights to this programme, and a research collaboration between the companies has

recently identified a clinical drug candidate. In the inflammatory disease area, Biotie is

developing both a monoclonal antibody and a small molecule inhibitor of the VAP-1 protein;

Roche has options to license both of these programmes. The VAP-1 mAb is currently in

clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. A phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor is

also in clinical trials, and is a potential treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD) and other inflammatory diseases. Biotie also has several discovery and early

development projects in different stages from hit discovery to lead optimization underway,

including PDE-2 inhibitors and a2b1 integrin inhibitors.

BonAlive Biomaterials Ltd (www.bonalive.com) Company Profile: BonAlive Biomaterials Ltd is a manufacturer of implantable medical devices and we provide orthopaedic and cranio-maxillofacial surgeons with a 100% synthetic bioactive bone graft substitute (BonAlive®). BonAlive® has the unique feature that it inhibits bacterial growth, giving it a strong position in the market place for treating chronically infected bone

Product and project Portfolio: Bioactive glass (BonAlive®) synthetic bone graft substitute.

DelSiTech Ltd (www.delsitech.com) Company Profile: DeSiTech Ltd, founded in 2001, specialises in a silica-based controlled release technology for small molecular drugs and biopharmaceuticals: viral vectors, proteins, heparins. Routes of administration: implant, sc and im. Oncology and other therapeutic areas where controlled released technology for local/systemic use is needed.

Product and Project Portfolio: Controlled drug delivery (implant, im, sc) Delivery times days-months. Systemic and local delivery. Viral vectors, proteins, small molecular drugs. Out-licensing of technology & co-development projects.

http://www.biotie.com/

http://www.delcitech.com/

15

DHR Finland Oy, Innotrac Diagnostics (www.innotrac.fi)

Company Profile:

Innotrac Diagnostics was founded in 1995 and has approximately 70 employees, fully

acquired by Radiometer A/S, Denmark in 2006. Since then an integral part of Radiometer’s

Acute Care Business Unit focusing on R&D and manufacturing of short turn-around-time

(TAT) diagnostic testing at Emergency and Intensive Care Units.

Product and Service Portfolio:

Non-enhanced time-resolved fluorescence and "All-in-One" dry chemistry technology

allowing high performance diagnostic testing in a non-laboratory clinical environment.

Innotrac Diagnostics focuses on cardiac and other critical care applications such as acute

Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Congestive Hear Failure (CHF), coagulation disturbances and

sepsis.

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (www.faronpharmaceuticals.com)

Company Profile:

Faron is a clinically staged drug discovery and development company with three major drug

development projects (see previously) focusing on acute trauma, incipient vasculopathies,

inflammatory diseases, and cancer growth and metastasis. Faron’s lead product FP-1201

(Traumakine®) is entering phase III clinical trial in 2012 to treat vascular leakage in

ALI/ARDS patients.


Proprietary pharmaceutical targets include CD73, Clecer-1 and AOC3.

Galilaeus Oy (Ltd) (www.galilaeus.fi)

Company Profile:

Contract manufacturing: Production of cytotoxics / immunosuppressants / antibiotics / fungal

products for preclinics and on-market needs. In addition synthetics, biocatalysts and cell

mass. Strain/fermentation development: Developing microbial and fungal strains through

genetic modification/traditional mutagenization to produce the desired API with dramatically

increased yield. Fermentation and down stream process improvement - also using

biocatalysis and biotransformation - with a considerable increase in robustness, purity and

cost-efficiency. Out-licensing technology: Immediately available – Tacrolimus, Dauno-and

Doxorubicin, Statins (3), Antimicrobials (2). In addition custom technology projects based on

customer requests. Consulting: Regulatory affairs and Quality issues (ICH standards

applicable). Analytics: Microbiology and molecular biology services (e.g. gene library, MCS

and WCS, bioassay).

Product, Project and Service Portfolio

Process technologies of APIs for out-licensing. Developing customer requested

technologies. Contract manufacturing of APIs, cell mass and biocatalysts. Strong know-how

in Streptomyces bacteria and cytotoxics.

HyTest Ltd (www.hytest.fi)

Company Profile:

Hytest Ltd, founded in 1994, offers innovative solutions for assay development and research

applications by providing high-quality immunological reagents in such areas as cardiac

markers, infectious, neuroscience and autoimmune disease reagents. Hytest is a leading

provider of several reagents such as antibodies and antigens of the troponin I and troponin

complex. Hytest also offers extensive customer services and has a certified ISO 9001:2000

quality system.

http://www.innotrac.fi/

http://www.faronpharmaceuticals.com/

http://www.galilaeus.fi/

http://www.hytest.fi/

16


Immunological reagents.

Labmaster Oy (www.labmaster.fi)

Company Profile:

Labmaster Oy is privately owned and employs 8 professionals. The company is specialized

in technology development, manufacturing and marketing of own IVD products. Over 95 %

of turnover is generated from exporting products worldwide. Since 2001 the company has

been investing strongly in development of novel proprietary detection technology platform

combining Silicon chip technology and recent findings in Electrochemiluminescence

detection technology. Commercialization of LM-CECL technology in Point of Care market a

pplications is the most important objective at the moment and in future for the company.


Phytoestrogen kits (TR-FIA) are based on the use of microtitration plates and therefore

allows screening of numerous samples simultaneously. They are used for research of

functional food ingredients, specifically fiber-rich food and isoflavones and their anti-

carcinogenic features. LM-CECL (Hot Electron Induced Cathodic Electrochemi-

luminescence), novel proprietary detection technology for use in analytical and diagnostic

applications (POC). LM-CECL technology is most suitable for low cost all-in-one chip based

quantitative diagnostic tests in future where very excellent analytical sensitivity and reliability

of results is needed.

Montisera Ltd (www.montisera.com)

Company Profile:

Montisera develops bioactive compounds and sells them onwards for commercialization.

Mission is to make molecule development more efficient and to offer high-value, low-risk

investment opportunities. Projects bring together investors, candidate molecule owners,

contract research organizations and drug & biotechnology companies. Lean organization

with experienced professionals. Founded in March 2012.


Montisera makes molecule development more efficient and offers higher-value, lower risk

investment opportunities. Our mission is to provice our customers with a fast and cost-

effective way to develop lead molecules from discovery through clinical proof of concept

Pharmatest Services Oy (www.pharmatest.com)

Company Profile:

Pharmatest Services Ltd is a Contract Research Organization offering translational research

services for diseases with unmet clinical needs. We offer full-service research solutions for

early drug development. Our focus is on preclinical efficacy models in the fields of cancer

and skeletal diseases, ranging from in vitro cell culture assays to in vivo models.

Product and Project Portfolio: Clinically predictive preclinical research services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology

industry.

Perkin Elmer Life and Analytical Sciences / Wallac Oy (www.perkinelmer.com)

Company Profile:

The Life & Analytical Sciences (LAS) division of PerkinElmer provides drug discovery,

genetic screening and chemical analysis instrumentation, reagents and services for scientific

research and clinical applications. PerkinElmer offers for biopharma customers integrated

http://www.labmaster.fi/

http://www.montisera.com/

http://www.pharmatest.com/en/services/cancer-models

http://www.pharmatest.com/en/services/cancer-models

http://www.pharmatest.com/en/services/skeletal-disease-models

http://www.perkinelmer.com/

17

solutions that accelerate the drug discovery process, improve time-to-market, help meet

regulatory requirements and create greater manufacturing efficiencies. The clinical screening

customers are offered comprehensive screening systems to accurately and efficiently detect

genetic deficiencies.


Integrated solutions to accelerate the drug discovery processes, improve time-to-market,

help meet regulatory requirements and create greater manufacturing efficiencies.

Comprehensive screening systems to accurately and efficiently detect genetic deficiencies

and abnormalities, application-driven solution systems for laboratory work. The product

portfolio includes reagent kits for Newborn and Prenatal Screening and diagnostic kits for

Thyroid, Fertility, Oncology, Anemia, and Diabetes. Instruments offered are: Gamma

Counters, Quantulus, Victor, MicroBeta, Envision, Viewlux, AutoDelfia, Delfia Xpress and

application software.

Vitabalans Oy (www.vitabalans.fi)

Company Profile:

Vitabalans Oy was founded in 1980 and employs 160 people. The company develops,

manufactures and markets prescription pharmaceuticals, self-care preparations, health food

supplements and health care products for animals.


Pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, e.g. pain

killers, infection medication, nutraceuticals, etc.

http://www.vitabalans.fi/








in BioTurku®







in BioTurku®



in BioTurku®




in BioTurku®



in BioTurku®




140 professors~1000 scientists in 80 groups5500 university students10 Doctoral Programs100 new Doctors (PhD/MD) annually








in BioTurku®







in BioTurku®



in BioTurku®




in BioTurku®



in BioTurku®




Turku

FINLAND



in BioTurku®


SWEDEN

NORWAY

DENMARK


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Inflammation and infectious diseases netti