Prof. Dr. med. Eicke Latz is one of Europe’s most influential immunologists and a leading figure in translational biomedical research. As Founder and Scientific Director of the German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ) and Professor of Experimental Rheumatology at Charité Berlin, he has dedicated his career to understanding the immune system — and turning that knowledge into real therapeutic breakthroughs.

In this interview, he discusses what Europe needs to become a global powerhouse in life sciences, why now is the ideal moment to launch a platform like bio:cap, and how AI is reshaping drug development and diagnostics.

Europe’s Chance to Lead: From Outstanding Science to Real-World Therapies

For Latz, Europe’s strength is undeniable: world-class research institutions, highly skilled scientists, and substantial public investment in science. But one critical piece is still missing — translation.

Europe excels in discovery, he says, but struggles to turn breakthroughs into biotech companies and ultimately into approved therapies. That requires an ecosystem designed specifically for translation: venture capital, experienced company builders, and the structures that make founding new biotechs fast and frictionless.

Why bio:cap Is Launching at Exactly the Right Time

According to Latz, successful translation doesn’t happen by accident. It needs curated environments. Scientists who want to build companies must be connected to investors who understand the complexity, timelines and risks of biomedical innovation. Investors, in turn, need access to emerging technologies, founders and science-driven ideas.bio:cap brings both worlds together — intentionally, not coincidentally. It orchestrates the kind of high-quality interactions that help discoveries take the next step toward impact.

Berlin as an Innovation Hub

Berlin’s strength lies in scale and diversity. With four major universities, more than 50 research institutions, and a highly international population, the city is a vibrant melting pot of ideas and perspectives. Latz sees enormous potential for Berlin not only as a science hub but as a future engine of translation in Europe.

bio:cap aims to accelerate exactly that — by connecting innovators with funders and creating a nucleus for new biomedical ventures.

Opportunities and Challenges for the Industry

The biotech sector is currently navigating a challenging funding environment. But Latz remains confident: as markets recover, venture capital will return — and with it a wave of new opportunities.

Now is the moment, he says, to prepare for that upswing and ensure Europe’s most promising discoveries are ready to move toward commercial development.

From precision immunology to single-cell targeting and new pathway-specific therapeutics, Latz sees countless scientific advances on the horizon. Diseases once considered incurable — including many inflammatory and degenerative conditions — are now within reach of transformative therapies.

The full videocast is available here.