From Vision to Legacy: Celebrating 42 Years of PROGEN
Four renowned scientists, Prof. Werner Franke, Prof. Peter Gruss, Prof. Günter Hämmerling, and Prof. Ekkehard Bautz, shared a vision: to create new diagnostic reagents and test procedures, primarily using monoclonal antibodies, and to develop proteins for diagnostics and therapy through the application of genetic engineering methods. With support from the first managing directors, Bodo Spiekermann and Arthur Scherm, PROGEN was founded in 1983.
From our first home in the Technologiepark, INF 519, we began laying the groundwork for what would become one of Germany’s most enduring biotech companies.
PROGEN at the Biotechnica event in 1987 – showcasing innovation from the very beginning.
A Story Told in Labs and Laughter
Old photos from the 1990s show the early lab equipment, branded product boxes, but more importantly, they capture a spirit of curiosity and camaraderie that still defines PROGEN today. There are snapshots from company outings, newspaper clippings announcing our latest moves, and wide smiles from colleagues who helped shape our early identity.
The first PROGEN product boxes – simple beginnings for lasting impact.
In 1990, the Merckle Group acquired a 70% stake in PROGEN, which was a pivotal moment that brought new resources and fresh momentum. Just a few years later, in 1996, we moved into a new facility, marking our growth and increasing our scientific footprint.
By 1998, we rebranded as PROGEN IMMUNO, sharpening our focus on immunological research and diagnostics. But more than the names or addresses, it was the people who gave PROGEN its heartbeat: scientists, technicians, and team members building something with care and vision.
Magazine feature from 1992 – PROGEN’s story spreading beyond the lab.
Even when a planned IPO in 2007 didn’t come to fruition, we didn’t lose stride. Instead, we strengthened our focus and found new ways to grow as a company and a community.
A Company That Knows Its Roots
The 2000s were marked by bold experiments, ranging from multiplexing platforms like Multimetrix to Point-of-Care diagnostics. Some projects became lasting pillars, while others served as stepping stones. But each one moved us forward.
In 2012, PROGEN became part of the R-Biopharm Group. It marked a new chapter, one that combined the entrepreneurial freedom of a small company with the stability of a strong partner. With it came renewed clarity, increased visibility, and a fresh sense of direction.
Yet even then, we never forgot who we were. The annual TEAM Marathon, which began in 2009, has evolved into participating in the NCT-RUNning against cancer charity run – a celebration of our shared spirit. Company outings, strategy workshops, and biotech conferences reflected the same value: we do our best work together.
PROGEN team placed 2nd in the Rowing Against Cancer charity event, 2025
Focused on the Future
In the past decade, PROGEN has doubled down on its mission to support scientists at the cutting edge of gene therapy. Our tools for AAV (Adeno-Associated Virus) analysis have become trusted staples in labs worldwide.
Today, our focus is clear:
- Accessible tools for every gene therapy, for every lab.
- Continue to develop high-quality products.
- Support gene therapy research with robust, reliable tools.
- Partner with scientists to turn complex challenges into breakthroughs.
- Adapt to the changing pace of developments in gene therapy and develop products to respond to the needs of our customers.
Our mission remains grounded in one idea:
Making gene therapy better. Together. Empowering labs worldwide with user-friendly and affordable gene therapy tools. To support scientists working in the lab on gene therapy products and solutions, helping them achieve their goals and further their scientific progress as quickly, reliably, and efficiently as possible to bring new gene therapies to patients worldwide.
Looking Back with Gratitude. Looking Forward with Purpose.
As we celebrate 42 years, we do so with gratitude to our founders, colleagues, partners, and customers. For every challenge we’ve met and every idea we’ve nurtured. And for the chance to keep building something that lasts.
Here’s to where we began.
To where we’re going.
And to all the moments, big and small, that made PROGEN what it is today.
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