The contest, which aims to accelerate the development of recombinant protein-based oncology therapies, will culminate at CPHI Frankfurt in October 2025.
Cancer detection and screening as a treatment for malignant cells with a biopsy or testing caused by carcinogens and genetics with a cancerous cell as an immunotherapy symbol | Image Credit: © freshidea - stock.adobe.com
Mabion, a Poland-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with a focus in biotechnology, is using the occasion of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention, being held in Boston from June 16–19, 2025, to announce a €500,000 (US$574,119) oncology services contest that will culminate at another conference, CPHI Frankfurt, Oct. 28–30, 2025 (1).
The contest, Mabion said in a press release, has a goal of accelerating development of recombinant protein-based cancer therapies, with the winner receiving the monetary credit toward Mabion’s end-to-end CDMO services. The company said it hopes the contest will foster a long-term partnership, either with the winner or, potentially, runner-up entries (1,2).
"Despite unprecedented scientific advances, many oncology treatments still face hurdles at the funding stage," said Julita Balcerek, PhD, Mabion chief operating officer (1). "This contest is our invitation to innovators who just need the right partner. We’re offering more than a prize; we’re offering a path to impact.”
Balcerek will be among an independent jury of experts that is tasked with evaluating entries in several criteria—such as scientific merit, feasibility, and the potential impact to patients:
At Mabion’s booth (#2445) at BIO 2025, a QR code will be available to access a simplified entry process for the contest, including a dedicated landing page (1). Mabion’s business development team will assist selected entrants with pre-qualification, non-disclosure agreements, and shaping of a proposal.
At CPHI Milan in October 2024, Jakub Knurek, Mabion business development specialist, participated in a panel discussion, “Building the Future Pharma Workforce” (3). There, discussing the rise of women in leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry, Knurek noted the change by saying the panel was comprised of more women than men.
“In every gender, [to] have that passion for biotech, for improvement that's really challengeable for all companies, how [can we] search, I think, more about headhunting, talent acquisition from that perspective?” Knurek said (3).
There has been a similar change, Mabion said, in the Polish city of Łódź, once a textile hub but now a rising power in life sciences.
"Wherever you’re based, this is your chance to accelerate your breakthrough program with Mabion’s financial support and world class services," Balcerek said in the June 17 press release (1). "Mabion is proud to help turn scientific ambition into clinical reality.”
Mabion encourages interested applicants to get more information at this link.
Click here for all of our coverage of BIO 2025, and check back for an interview BioPharm International conducted as part of that coverage with Mabion Director of Business Development Bartlomiej Czubek.
1. Mabion. Mabion Launches €500,000 Services Contest to Support Next-Gen Oncology Breakthroughs. Press Release. June 17, 2025.
2. Comment received via email correspondence, June 17, 2025.
3. Thomas, F. and Lavery, P. CPHI Milan 2024: What Does the Future Pharma Workforce Look Like? PharmTech.com, Oct. 10, 2024.
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