Basilea joins INCATE to support antifungal innovation

Allschwil, Switzerland, January 13, 2026

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today a partnership with INCATE (INCubator for Antibacterial Therapies in Europe), an antimicrobial incubator supporting the advancement of early stage anti-infectives.

Basilea is joining INCATE as an industry partner, bringing extensive preclinical, clinical, and commercial expertise in anti-infectives and, for the first time, expanding INCATE’s scope to include antifungals, hence addressing the critical need for novel antifungal therapies. Through this partnership, Basilea will help INCATE to identify and support the most promising early-stage innovations and strengthen the bridge between emerging ideas and real-world medical needs.

Dr. Laurenz Kellenberger, Chief Scientific Officer of Basilea, said: “Invasive fungal infections are a serious and growing health challenge, particularly for vulnerable patient populations, which continue to increase in number. Through this partnership with INCATE, we aim to share our expertise in anti-infective development and help advance promising early-stage antifungal approaches into therapies that deliver meaningful clinical impact.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Basilea as an industry partner – this is an important milestone for INCATE and a testament to its growing impact and credibility in the field,” said Prof. Dr. Primo Schär, Vice President for Research at the University of Basel and member of the INCATE board. “This partnership further solidifies Basel’s unique position as a global hub for innovation in infectious disease therapies, where scientific excellence, industry leadership, and a spirit of collaboration converge in a thriving ecosystem. Basilea’s deep expertise in antibacterial and antifungal development will be instrumental in accelerating the discovery and advancement of groundbreaking therapeutic solutions.”

The partnership with INCATE will help transform preclinical antibacterial and antifungal concepts towards assets that can be later advanced through industry partnerships for further development, bridging the gap between academic innovation and life-saving medicines.

Full PR available here