Onyx Biotech’s distinctive approach does not lie in drug discovery itself, but rather in a downstream, cost- and time-intensive part of drug development. Process engineering steps, such as antibody purification, should be optimized. Instead of conducting numerous laboratory experiments sequentially, algorithms and workflows are meant to enable realistic simulations.
According to company information, the digital twins can reduce development cycles from months to just days. The technology has already been validated with industry partners in the biopharma sector, including a top-5 biopharma company from Germany and a leading contract development organization.
With this funding round, Onyx Biotech aims to finance the next development steps and bring the solution into broader application. In addition to the Life Science Valley Growth Fund and Freiraum Ventures, leading business angels participated in the round, according to company information.
Why the timing is relevant for biopharma software
A look at the market shows why this approach is so important right now. While the US is pushing more strongly for lower drug prices through most-favored-nation models, China is simultaneously focusing on expanding biotechnological capacities in its bioeconomy strategy.
This increases pressure on European biopharma companies to reduce development costs without compromising quality and speed. This is exactly where Onyx Biotech positions itself with simulation-based process development.
Germany as the pharmacy of the world?
Onyx Biotech was founded in September 2024 by brothers Florian and Gregor Essert. The company focuses on digital solutions for optimizing process engineering in pharma, biotech, and chemicals.
Gregor Essert, co-founder and CEO, emphasizes early collaboration with industry:
“What was crucial was to work with strong industry partners early on to validate the technology in real-world deployment”
Florian Essert, co-founder and CFO, also frames the solution in industrial policy terms:
“At a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important and Germany and Europe’s competitiveness seems to be at risk, we can use our solution to make Germany the pharmacy of the world again.”
Name: Onyx Biotech
Location: Munich area / Vaterstetten
Founded: September 2024
Founders: Florian Essert, Gregor Essert
Technology: Digital twins and simulations for biopharma processes
Application field: High-tech drug development, including antibody purification
Funding: Pre-seed round
Investors: Life Science Valley Growth Fund, Freiraum Ventures, business angels
