ProBioGen and VarmX B.V. Announce Collaboration for Advanced Cell Line Development

BERLIN, Germany and LEIDEN, The Netherlands, July 28, 2026 / Biotech Newswire / -- ProBioGen today announced a new collaboration with VarmX B.V. for the development of their second therapeutic Factor X candidate. The partnership will advance VarmX's innovative Factor X program through cell line development using ProBioGen's proprietary HEK293 host cell line platform. This collaboration builds upon ProBioGen's extensive expertise in coagulation factor development, including successful programs with, for example, Factor VII and Factor VIII therapeutics.
 
"We are excited to partner with VarmX on this compelling and demanding molecule," said Dr. Volker Sandig, Chief Scientific Officer of ProBioGen. "Combined with the DirectedLuck® transposase technology, our HEK293 platform is ideally suited to address the unique development challenges associated with coagulation factors. It supports efficient protein maturation including proteolytic processing and outperforms CHO cell lines delivering superior biologic activity and yield. Our long-standing experience in this field positions us well to support VarmX's ambitious goals."

 
"Partnering with ProBioGen for our Factor X program was a strategic decision based on their proven track record in coagulation factor development," said Pieter Reitsma, Founder of VarmX B.V. "Their HEK293 technology and deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with these molecules make them an ideal partner as we advance our second therapeutic candidate."
 
Semantic keywords: Cell Line; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell Proliferation; Cell Line Development; Cells, Cultured; Transposases; Transgenes; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic; Technology; Recombinant Proteins; Biological Products; Productivity; Bioreactors; Germany; ProBioGen; VarmX B.V.; collaboration; Factor X candidate; Factor X program; HEK293 host cell line platform; coagulation factor development; Factor VII; Factor VIII; DirectedLuck® transposase technology; HEK293 platform; protein maturation; proteolytic processing
 
About VarmX
VarmX is a spinoff from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), founded in 2016 by Professor Pieter Reitsma, a worldleading expert in hemostasis and thrombosis. The company’s lead compound, VMXC001, is a modified recombinant blood Factor X being developed for the treatment of severe spontaneous bleeding and for the prevention of bleeding during urgent surgery in patients taking FXa inhibitors. In September 2025 VarmX entered into a strategic collaboration and option agreement with global biotechnology leader CSL to fully fund its Phase 3 trial and support latestage development and commercialization of VMXC001. VarmX is supported by a strong syndicate of investors including Sound Bioventures, EIC, EQT Life Sciences, Inkef, Lundbeckfonden BioCapital, Ysios Capital, BioGeneration Ventures and InnovationQuarter. 
 
About ProBioGen
ProBioGen is a Berlin-based expert in the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, viral vectors, and vaccines, powered by proprietary technologies that enhance product quality and features. Its platforms enable fast, integrated cell line and process development, comprehensive analytics, and reliable GMP-compliant manufacturing, all supported by a highly experienced team. Operating for over 30 years, ProBioGen runs three manufacturing lines in Berlin, where 300 employees contribute to advancing next-generation therapies and global biotech innovation. The company’s growth strategy focuses on expanding its service value chain through organic growth and strategic opportunities, with a clear mission to enable tomorrow’s biopharmaceuticals. For more information about ProBioGen visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
 
Contacts
ProBioGen
Dr. Gabriele Schneider
Chief Business Officer
cdmo@probiogen.de

ProBioGen Press Contact
Sarah Wandrey
Senior Communications Manager
press@probiogen.de

VarmX Contact
Martijn Negen
Chief Business Officer
m.negen@varmx.com
 
Source: Biotech Newswire