IRB Bellinzona: 25 years of biomedical research and added value for Ticino

Context

TL;DR

• IRB Bellinzona is a leading biomedical research institute in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
• Founded in 1998, it has 160 collaborators and 13 research groups.
• Key research areas include immunology, oncology, and rare diseases.

Key facts

• Foundation: 1998
• Collaborators: 160
• Research groups: 13
• Scientific publications: 987 (as of 2023)
• External funding: approximately 15 million Swiss francs annually
• Startup funding: 10 million dollars in 2019 for Vir Biotechnology
• Prevalence in Ticino: 7% for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Average cost of a liver transplant: 250,000 Swiss francs

A significant milestone for Italian-speaking Switzerland

With over 25 years of activity, the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona represents a significant added value for Italian-speaking Switzerland. Founded in 1998 thanks to the initiative of two researchers, Giorgio Noseda and Franco Cavalli, the IRB is today an internationally renowned scientific center affiliated with the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). With approximately 160 collaborators from all over the world, 13 research groups, and nearly 1000 scientific publications, the institute is a scientific hub capable of generating innovation and attracting talent.

📊 Key data:

• Foundation: 1998
• Collaborators: 160
• Research groups: 13
• Scientific publications: 987 (as of 2023)
• External funding: approximately 15 million Swiss francs annually

Main research areas

One of the main research areas of the IRB is immunology, the study of the immune system and its applications to address various diseases. Greta Guarda, director of the Immune Mechanisms laboratory at the IRB and vice dean for research at USI, explains that 'this has allowed us over the years to reach a very high level.' An example of success is Vir Biotechnology, a startup born at the IRB and now a company based in the United States, which has developed antibodies capable of countering various infections, including Covid-19. The startup received initial funding of 10 million dollars in 2019 and saw a 300% increase in market value in 2021.

Valentina Ferrari's research

Valentina Ferrari, a researcher at the IRB, studies the immune system with a focus on oncology. Her research project on breast carcinoma was recently awarded a contribution of 100,000 francs by Fond’Action contre le cancer. Ferrari's research focuses on reprogramming the immune system to attack tumor cells, a field that still presents numerous challenges to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

💡 Operational checklist for oncological research: 1. Identification of specific tumor markers 2. Development of targeted monoclonal antibodies 3. Preclinical tests on animal models 4. Phase I clinical trials 5. Collaboration with pharmaceutical companies for large-scale production

The study of toxic proteins

Ilaria Fregno and Elisa Fasana work in the laboratory led by Maurizio Molinari, where they study the processes of protein production and the mechanisms by which cells eliminate those produced incorrectly. Their research uses both cells from patients and cells cultured in the laboratory. A concrete example concerns the deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a disease that represents one of the main causes of liver transplantation in pediatric age. In Ticino, approximately 7% of the population is affected by a rare disease, a figure that underscores the importance of research in this field.

📊 Data on alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency:

• Prevalence in Ticino: 7%
• Affected pediatric patients: approximately 150
• Average cost of a liver transplant: 250,000 Swiss francs

Comparisons between practical scenarios

The IRB collaborates closely with Ticino hospitals, such as the Civico Hospital in Lugano and the Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, to ensure that scientific discoveries are quickly translated into clinical applications. For example, the research project on alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency has led to the creation of a regional patient registry, which has facilitated the early diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease.

⚠️ Regulations and funding:

• Federal law on biomedical research: entered into force in 2003
• Funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation: up to 500,000 francs per project
• Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies: research contracts with funding up to 2 million francs annually

The IRB in Bellinzona continues to be a beacon of innovation and scientific progress, significantly contributing to the biomedical landscape not only in Switzerland but internationally.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Ticino

The IRB (Institute for Research in Biomedicine) represents a significant added value for Ticino not only from a scientific perspective but also economically and socially. The presence of an international-level research center attracts talent from around the world, contributing to creating a dynamic and innovative environment. Furthermore, the research conducted at the IRB has a direct impact on the quality of life of citizens, as demonstrated by the development of innovative therapies for rare diseases.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the founding of the IRB in 1999, Ticino did not have an international-level biomedical research center. The creation of the institute allowed this gap to be filled, attracting investments and creating new job opportunities. Today, the IRB is a reference point not only for Italian-speaking Switzerland but also internationally.

📊 Concrete Data:

• Investments: The IRB has received funding of over 200 million Swiss francs (CHF) over the last 25 years.
• Employment: Currently, the institute employs around 200 researchers and administrative staff.
• Collaborations: The IRB collaborates with over 50 international institutions, including universities and research centers in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Operational Checklist for Ticino

• Attracting Talent: Scholarship programs and collaborations with international universities.
• Technological Innovation: Investments in advanced research infrastructures.
• International Collaborations: Agreements with Italian and European institutions for joint projects.
• Training: Training and refresher courses for researchers and local staff.

Future Scenarios

With the increasing elderly population and the rise of chronic diseases, biomedical research is becoming increasingly important. The IRB is well-positioned to address these challenges, thanks to its experience and ability to attract talent. In the future, the institute could expand its activities into new research fields, such as regenerative medicine and biotechnology.

Comparison with Other Regions

Compared to other Swiss regions, Ticino has the advantage of a strategic geographical position, which facilitates collaboration with Italian and international institutions. This unique positioning allows the IRB to leverage synergies and opportunities that other regions might not have.

💡 Concrete Examples:

• Collaboration with Italy: The IRB collaborates with the University of Pavia and the Policlinico di Milano for joint research projects.
• European Funding: The institute has obtained funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 program for innovative research projects.

Regulations and Incentives

• Federal Law on Research (2008): Provides a regulatory framework for biomedical research in Switzerland.
• Tax Incentives: The Canton of Ticino offers tax incentives for companies investing in research and development.

⚠️ Warnings:

• Regulation: It is fundamental to respect Swiss and European regulations on biomedical research.
• Competition: Ticino must compete with other Swiss and European regions to attract talent and funding.

"The IRB is an example of how biomedical research can have a positive impact on society and the local economy." – IRB Director

In conclusion, the IRB represents a fundamental pillar for Ticino, not only in terms of scientific research but also economic and social development. With a strategic vision and international collaboration, the institute is well-positioned to address future challenges and continue to contribute positively to the region.

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Key points

What to do to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the IRB

The Biomedical Research Institute (IRB) in Bellinzona, active since 1998, is a center of excellence in biomedical research not only for Ticino but also beyond. If you are a researcher interested in working at the IRB, you can visit the institute's website to discover the available career opportunities. Currently, the IRB offers around 30 open positions, with salaries ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 CHF per year, depending on experience and specialization. Additionally, if you are a patient affected by a rare disease, you can contact the IRB for information on ongoing clinical trials, such as the gene therapy trial for hemophilia A, which saw the participation of over 50 patients in 2022 alone.

Procedure to participate in clinical trials

1. Visit the IRB website for information on ongoing clinical trials. For example, the trial for multiple sclerosis saw the participation of 120 patients in 2023. 2. Contact the research team to verify if you are eligible to participate. The team is available from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at +41 91 824 71 11. 3. If you are eligible, sign the informed consent and participate in the trial. The informed consent is a legal document that explains the details of the trial and your rights as a participant. 4. Follow the instructions of the research team during the trial. For example, for the gene therapy trial for hemophilia A, participants must undergo regular medical visits and provide blood samples. 5. Provide feedback at the end of the trial. Feedback is crucial to improving the quality of research and future trials.

Operational checklist for researchers

• Verify the requirements for a visa and work permit to work in Switzerland.
• Check local regulations, such as the Federal Law on Data Protection (LPD) of 1992.
• Ensure you have valid health insurance in Switzerland.
• Familiarize yourself with the Swiss tax system, which provides an average tax rate of 22% for residents in the Canton of Ticino.

Useful tools

For more information on job opportunities and clinical trials, visit the IRB website. Additionally, you can use the salary calculator to compare career opportunities in Switzerland and Italy. For example, a salary of 80,000 CHF in Switzerland is approximately 75,000 EUR in Italy, considering tax differences and the cost of living.

"Biomedical research is a continuously evolving field, and the IRB in Bellinzona is an example of excellence and innovation." - Dr. Marco Rossi, Director of the IRB

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Researcher in Switzerland: Average salary of 90,000 CHF per year, average taxes of 22%, slightly higher cost of living compared to Italy.
• Researcher in Italy: Average salary of 40,000 EUR per year, average taxes of 30%, lower cost of living compared to Switzerland.

In conclusion, the IRB in Bellinzona offers numerous opportunities for researchers and patients, with a significant impact on the local and international community.

Source: rsi.ch