By the Thames, We Ignite Europe’s Innovation Momentum

For 25 years, WuXi AppTec has embraced openness, collaboration, and a spirit of transformation, empowering the global biopharmaceutical industry to accelerate drug discovery and development, and fostering deeper connectivity across the world’s innovation ecosystems.

Last week, during the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference — often called the “JPM of Europe” — WuXi AppTec hosted a WuXi Innovation Day at the Savoy Hotel. As the first modern hotel in the UK, the Savoy pioneered the use of electricity, hot running water, and elevators more than a century ago. It quickly became a symbol of progress and a venue for important dialogues that propelled global progress. Today, this iconic landmark once again brings innovators together for meaningful exchange.

Afternoon tea is a hallmark of British culture — a moment for connection and conversation. At WuXi AppTec, we believe that when we share a common goal of improving patient health worldwide, and when ideas converge, progress naturally follows. Under soft daylight and in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, minds shift from tension to flow, and inspiration often emerges precisely in these subtle transitions of rhythm.

Nearly 200 industry leaders from around the world joined us, engaging in open conversations on how European innovation can better reach global patients and create broader impact.

European Innovation in the Spotlight

From the discovery of penicillin to the elucidation of cholera’s cause, London has long stood at the forefront of life sciences. Today, together with Oxford and Cambridge, it forms the renowned “Golden Triangle,” one of Europe’s most dynamic scientific clusters.

Nineteen of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies have a presence in London. Leading universities, research institutions, hospitals, and more than 2,700 life sciences companies form a thriving ecosystem. Since the beginning of this year, the region has attracted £1.6 billion in venture capital — nearly double the amount in 2024.

This reflects a broader renaissance of European innovation.

During the panel discussion at WuXi Innovation Day, three leading European and U.S. life sciences investors shared a common perspective: “Europe never lacked great science — it just lacked amplifiers.”

“Europe is a promising engine for new drug discovery,” said Dr. Francesco De Rubertis, Co-Founder and Partner at Medicxi. He noted that 10%–20% of all FDA-approved drugs each year have European origins.

Sofinnova Partners Chairman and Managing Partner Antoine Papiernik echoed this view, emphasizing that Europe’s biopharmaceutical sector has significantly strengthened over the past decades and has become “a major pillar of innovation capable of influencing the world.”

However, compared with its scientific prowess, Europe’s early-stage venture funding remains insufficient — a key topic at this year’s Jefferies conference.

This gap, argued Canaan Partners General Partner Nina Kjellson, represents a major opportunity: “Of the last ten assets we invested in, four came from Europe.”

One of Canaan’s early investments, Halda Therapeutics, was recently acquired by Johnson & Johnson in a deal valued at over $3 billion. Several of her European portfolio companies, she noted, are now advancing into clinical development and may follow a similar trajectory.

Likewise, Sofinnova Partners recently closed an €650 million fund, while Medicxi raised €500 million for its latest fund — both aiming to back the next generation of disruptive European startups.

Collaboration: The Certainty That Carries Us Through Cycles

“Remembering who your trusted partners are and continuing to work with them. Many of our companies collaborate with WuXi AppTec. What’s essential is staying with what works.” Antoine said during the panel discussion.

From emerging modalities targeting previously undruggable biology to peptides, oligonucleotides, and beyond, innovation boundaries are being continually redefined.

As the industry faces growing complexity, WuXi AppTec will continue expanding its global CRDMO capabilities to provide partners with more flexible, resilient, and scalable support.

Among WuXi AppTec’s thousands of partners, a significant number are based in Europe. To better meet their innovation needs, WuXi AppTec recently announced the establishment of its European regional headquarters in Munich—further igniting the continent’s innovation momentum.

Beyond expanding in Europe, the company is continuously building capability and expand capacity worldwide. 

In North America, the Middleton, U.S. site is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, providing formulation development and manufacturing services from preclinical to commercial stages. 

In Asia-Pacific, the Singapore API facility will begin phased operations in 2027, supporting small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, and complex conjugates. 

In the Middle East, WuXi AppTec is partnering with NEOM and the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to explore the localization of pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Steve Yang, Co-CEO of WuXi AppTec, expressed deep gratitude for the trust our global partners have placed in us over the past 25 years.

“In an era of uncertainty, we strive to be the adhesive that accelerates innovation — and the stability our global partners can rely on.”

Innovation Resonates “At the Same Table”

Through conversations among leaders from Europe, North America, and around the world, one message emerged clearly:

Europe’s innovation is returning to the global spotlight, and what propels it forward is trust and open collaboration across the industry.

Within this cultural moment, symbolized by a shared table and shared dialogue, the core values of biopharmaceutical innovation once again came to light: connection, trust, cooperation, and an unwavering belief in discovery.

When partners across the ecosystem sit together and share ideas freely, innovation begins to resonate. And breakthroughs reach patients faster.