From Sweden to the world; our legacy.
With forty plus years of experience from hemostasis research and development, Rossix founder Steffen Rosén is by no means a beginner in the field. Quite the contrary. When founding Rossix in 2000, his vision was to package all that experience and know how into a line of premium quality products for hemostasis diagnosis and research. Today that vision has become reality. And there is more to come, just around the corner.
– In 1978, when leaving university with a PhD in biochemistry I was given the responsibility to “put the final touch” to a project within hemostasis diagnosis at Kabi Diagnostica (later Chromogenix), says Steffen. The project was focused on a chromogenic FVIII method, which should be finalized into a complete kit. However, I soon realized it needed more work – much more work – to bring a viable product to market.
When the product was launched in 1984 it was a true milestone. It also marked the starting point for launching a wide range of hemostasis kits during Steffens time as R&D manager at Kabi Diagnostica and Chromogenix.
What did hemostasis research look like back then?
- Many things were, of course, very different. If we focus on research and product development for treatment of the two hemophilia diseases Hemophilia A (deficiency in FVIII) and Hemophilia B (deficiency in FIX), the progress since then is no less than a revolution.
When starting Rossix in the year 2000 there were few alternatives to plasma derived FVIII and FIX concentrates for treatment of hemophilia A and B. Only a few recombinant FVIII concentrates and one FIX concentrate had been launched.
– Later, Steffen continous, modified FIX concentrates with much increased half-life (i.e. they last much longer in the circulating blood), have been launched. This has increased the quality of life substantially for hemophilia B patients, allowing a much lower frequency of infusion of the therapeutic product.
What made you decide to start Rossix?
- A few years after Chromogenix was acquired by Instrumentation Laboratory, all Swedish activities were moved abroad and I then decided to start on my own.
How did it start?
– It started as a consultancy company, gradually shifting focus towards developing our own line of products. The first Rossix products entered the market in 2006, when our Phospholipid-TGT and Phospholipid products were launched. In 2007, my children Per and Pia joined the company, which meant Rossix took a big step forward. With their great work and expertise Rossix could accelerate the product development process and launch the current product portfolio.
What makes Rossix different?
– I believe our extensive know how in the field of hemostasis makes us unique. Furthermore, being a family run company we take great personal pride in always delivering products of the highest quality and expert customer service. Today we are proud to serve a wide range of biotech and pharma companies, all over the world.
How will the field of hemostasis change in the future?
- As of today, the development of FVIII concentrates with much increased half-life has not been very successful, however there are interesting products in the pipeline. Also, the next major step forward - gene therapy for FVIII and FIX - is currently under fast development. My view on this is that gene therapy will become one of the treatment options within the next 5 years.
And what about the future of Rossix?
– I am confident that Rossix will continue to develop new products and grow at a controlled pace. I know we will continue to be curious at heart and monitor new technologies relevant to hemostasis testing. I also think we will continue to enroll in special consultancy and participate regularly in future calibrations of reference standards.