A Vision to Revolutionize CMC Support for Early-Stage Biotech
Founded by Olivier Favre-Bulle in 2014, 3Biotech was born from the desire to help early-stage biotech companies accelerate the development of their molecules from research to patients—safely and efficiently.
Drawing on his experience in large pharmaceutical companies, Olivier recognized the hurdles small biotech firms face, including regulatory challenges, cost pressures, and limited resources. So, he set out to create a company that could offer strategic partnerships to guide innovators from research to first-in-human trials with efficiency and precision.
A mission to accelerate biotech product development
Yet, the story of 3Biotech didn’t begin with its launch in 2014 - it started much earlier, shaped by key moments that defined Olivier’s path. The company’s mission is rooted in Olivier’s passion for science and a commitment to making life-saving therapies accessible to patients more efficiently and affordably. This passion was sparked at just five years old when his grandfather demonstrated the concept of atoms using a sugar cube, cutting it into smaller pieces and explaining that eventually, you wouldn’t have two pieces of sugar anymore. This moment ignited Olivier’s insatiable curiosity about the world.
Growing up, his father - a doctor - further shaped his path, inspiring him to merge engineering’s problem-solving nature with medicine’s focus on alleviating suffering. Olivier developed a desire to understand, at a molecular level, why people get sick and wanted to develop solutions that could help them heal.
Accelerating drug development: 3Biotech’s mission to support early-stage biotech companies
After years of working within large pharmaceutical companies, Olivier realized that his true calling wasn’t just to be part of the system but to change it. He saw firsthand how smaller biotech firms often struggled to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and high costs. Many groundbreaking ideas were stifled before they could reach patients due to these barriers.
Olivier had a clear mission: to provide innovative solutions that would challenge and support biotech companies in bringing safe drug candidates to market faster. He envisioned 3Biotech as more than just a service provider—it would be a partner, offering tailored strategies and hands-on support from early research through to first-in-human trials.
And so, 3Biotech was born—not just as a business venture but as a personal mission.
Building 3Biotech: a human-centric approach
From its inception, 3Biotech was different. Olivier knew that success in drug development wasn’t just about cutting-edge technology or scientific expertise—it was about people. Every molecule represented hope for patients and their families. With this human-centric philosophy at its core, 3Biotech set out to provide tailored strategies for each client.
The company quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) strategy execution. Unlike other firms that offered one-size-fits-all solutions, 3Biotech worked closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and goals. Whether it was risk assessment, lead optimization, or managing clinical batch production, 3Biotech became known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to safety.
One of the most rewarding aspects for Olivier was seeing these small biotech companies—many of which started with just an idea—make it through clinical trials and bring their treatments to market. Each success story reaffirmed why 3Biotech existed: to help others succeed where they might have otherwise failed.
Navigating challenges: the roadblocks along the way
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. The early days were tough as Olivier juggled building a business from scratch with the demands of family life. There were moments when it seemed like 3Biotech wouldn’t make it—when funding was tight or regulatory setbacks threatened projects.
But each obstacle only strengthened Olivier’s resolve. He built a talented team that shared his vision and commitment to excellence. Together, they navigated complex regulatory landscapes across Europe and beyond, ensuring that every project met stringent safety standards while staying on track for timely delivery.
Accelerating drug development through strategic CMC
Today, 3Biotech boasts a portfolio of successful collaborations with global Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and Contract Development Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). The company has played an instrumental role in bringing several groundbreaking therapies from concept to clinic—helping patients access life-saving treatments faster.
For Olivier, however, success isn’t measured by profits or accolades but by impact. Each new project is an opportunity to make a difference - to help another company overcome barriers and bring hope to patients waiting for cures.
Looking ahead, Olivier remains focused on expanding 3Biotech's services while maintaining a strong commitment to its core values: transparency, commitment, and a client-centered approach. He acknowledges that the challenges in drug development are ongoing but is confident that with continued innovation and strategic collaboration, 3Biotech will continue to support biotech companies in overcoming these obstacles.
Get in touch to learn how 3Biotech can support you.