Cardion

Cardion AG was a German biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Founded in 1996 as a spin-off from the University of Cologne, the company specialized in gene therapy, stem cell engineering, and immune tolerance induction. Its lead programs included a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene therapy for preventing restenosis after angioplasty and CRB-15, a novel interleukin-15 receptor antagonist for treating autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. In 2003, Cardion was acquired by Schering AG for approximately €60 million, following the sale of its CRB-15 asset to Roche, integrating its remaining cardiovascular and immunology assets into Schering's portfolio. The company was a pioneer in the German biotech sector, leveraging advanced molecular biology to address significant unmet needs in heart disease and transplantation.