Niba Labs: From National Institute of Biology Spin-Off to Global Leader in Gene Therapy Technologies
Niba Labs is the second spin-off company of the National Institute of Biology (NIB), which together with its parent institution is stepping onto the global stage as a leading player in the development and commercialization of advanced technologies for the characterization and quantification of therapeutic viruses essential for gene therapy. Gene and cell therapies, regarded as one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine and pharmaceuticals—with an anticipated growth rate of 30% over the next decade—offer revolutionary solutions for treating genetic diseases.
NIB, with its long-standing strategy of transferring knowledge into practice, supports high-tech companies through advanced research, improvement of quality procedures, and development of testing methods. At the ceremonial signing of the license agreement, NIB’s director, Prof. Dr. Maja Ravnikar, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough: “We have developed a methodology for the production and characterization of therapeutic viruses, which is the result of years of research and top-level expertise on viruses. This is an important step in transferring knowledge to the entrepreneurial level.”
The development leadership of Niba Labs will be taken over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. David Dobnik, who highlighted the revolutionary nature of gene medicines: “Instead of chemical compounds, these medicines use viruses as delivery vehicles for healthy replacement genes. NIB experts have also contributed to the development of treatments such as the gene therapy Zolgensma for the boy Kris.” Niba Labs’ director, Mag. Mateja Urlep, adds: “We aim to become globally recognized as key players in the treatment of cancer and rare diseases.”
NIB remains committed to its vision, which it began realizing 11 years ago with BioSistemika. Through its spin-off company strategy—combining scientific excellence and entrepreneurial dynamism—NIB actively co-creates sustainable solutions and contributes to societal development.
