Presentation of Award 2006

Over 200 guests representing business, politics and science from throughout Europe gathered in Zurich to celebrate the presentation of the EUROPEAN BIOTECHNICA AWARD 2006.

The first prize, worth EUR 20,000, went to Intercell AG from Vienna/Austria. The second prize went to Genmab A/S from Copenhagen/Denmark, while amaxa GmbH from Cologne/Germany won third prize.

The prizes were presented by the German Federal Minister of Education and Research, Dr. Annette Schavan, Dr. Karsten Henco, founder of Qiagen and Evotec, CEO of U3 Pharma AG, Martinsried, and a member of the Award jury, and Stephan Ph. Kühne, member of the Board of Deutsche Messe AG, Hannover.

Speaking shortly before presenting the awards, Dr Schavan emphasized the importance of the competition, saying that it was a fitting way to advertise the need for greater European cooperation in the effort to boost Europe's status as an attractive research location. "The exchange of ideas and knowledge is gaining ever greater importance. We all profit from cross-border knowledge transfer. The presentation of the EUROPEAN BIOTECHNICA AWARD here in Zurich highlights the role of cross-border cooperation."

Intercell AG wins first prize
The winner of the first prize, Intercell AG, received a cheque to the amount of EUR 20,000 and a year's membership with EuropaBio. This biotechnology company, which is based in Vienna/Austria, specializes in the development of modern prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against infectious disease.

Second and third prizes go to Genmab and amaxa respectively
The second prize - a media package with the European Biotechnology News - has been awarded to Genmab A/S from Copenhagen. Genmab in Copenhagen/Denmark is a biotechnology company that creates and develops human antibody products for the treatment of life-threatening and debilitating diseases.

Third prize - which comprises a stand at BIOTECHNICA 2007 in Hannover and five days of consulting by the company Capgemini - was awarded to amaxa GmbH from Cologne/Germany.