Obesity as a global challenge
Obesity is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. It affects over one billion people worldwide - with far-reaching consequences for healthcare systems and society. The disease increases the risk of numerous chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or certain types of cancer and causes immense economic costs. At the same time, the pressure for biopharmaceutical innovation is growing: the global market for obesity therapies is expected to reach a volume of over 100 billion US dollars by 2030. New therapy classes such as GLP-1 receptor agonists promise a fundamental change in the treatment of obesity - not only in terms of their effect, but also through deeper insights into the metabolic system.
A forum for innovation, science and investment
The EBOIF Leipzig built on the successful sister event in San Francisco and brought a high-calibre programme to Europe. The aim was to bring together scientific excellence, therapeutic innovation, strategic investments and health policy perspectives in an interdisciplinary setting - as a catalyst for new partnerships and solutions. Supported by the City of Leipzig and numerous partners, the forum highlighted new therapeutic strategies as well as market potential, regulatory requirements and translational entrepreneurship.
Highlights of the programme
- Prominent keynotes, including from Prof Dr Antje Körner (HI-MAG), Prof Dr Arya Sharma (University of Alberta) and Prof Dr Johannes Krause (MPI-EVA)
- Thematic panels on:
- "Potential & impact on the healthcare system"
- "BioPharma Dealmaking: How is the pipeline of the future created?"
- "Unmet Needs & NextGen Therapeutics"
- "Investment opportunities in obesity and metabolic biotech"
- "Rising Stars" session for start-ups in the seed sector
- 1:1 partnering formats. (Virtual sessions will take place on 18-19 June)
Leipzig as a centre for obesity research and host of the EBOIF
Leipzig has developed into an important location for the research and treatment of obesity thanks to its specialised research centres and clinical facilities - and was therefore the ideal venue for the EBOIF. In particular, the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolism, Obesity and Vascular Diseases (HI-MAG) and Leipzig University Hospital, with its leading expertise in obesity research and therapy, formed the scientific basis that enriched the forum with top-class findings and innovations. In addition, the Leipzig Centre of Metabolism, which recently received an award from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, promoted interdisciplinary collaboration between various research groups in order to develop new therapeutic approaches to combat obesity. This excellent infrastructure made Leipzig a hub for the exchange of knowledge, technologies and investments in the fight against the global obesity epidemic. Leipzig brought together international experts and, with its combination of research excellence and innovation, provided the perfect setting to advance biopharmaceutical solutions against obesity and initiate new partnerships at EBOIF.
Votes from the organisers
Leonard Sachs, founder and managing director of Sachs Associates, initiator of the forum:
"Leipzig offers the ideal breeding ground for such a conference. With its scientific density, international dynamism and openness to biopharmaceutical progress, Leipzig is a catalyst for interdisciplinary solutions - especially in the fight against obesity."
André Hofmann, CEO, leap:up GmbH:
"This forum is an important milestone for Leipzig as a life science centre - especially in the context of the global challenges posed by obesity. In Leipzig, we combine international scientific excellence with state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical technology, a growing start-up ecosystem and a high willingness to invest. The city has a unique research landscape, for example through HI-MAG and Leipzig University Hospital, which are world leaders in obesity research and were able to acquire a Cluster of Excellence from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research just a few days ago with the Leipzig Centre of Metabolism."
Cornelia Jahnel, Head of Investor Relations, leap:up GmbH:
"The EBOIF is much more than just a specialist conference - it is a strategic catalyst for the next generation of biopharmaceutical innovations in the fight against obesity. It offers start-ups the rare opportunity to discuss visionary ideas directly with leading investors, industry partners and scientists - at eye level and with international visibility."
Press contact:
Urs Moesenfechtel | Public Relations | urs.moesenfechtel@leap-up.com
