20 years at the service of research
Araclon Biotech is a biotechnology company specializing in the research and development of methods for the early diagnosis and preventive treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. From its beginnings as a spin-off of the University of Zaragoza to the present day under the leadership of Grifols, the company has become a benchmark in research on this disease.
2004: A pioneering vision
Araclon Biotech, S.L. emerged as a spin-off of the University of Zaragoza, led by Dr Manuel Sarasa. After years of research, he saw that the way to proceed with the project was to patent the sequence of a revolutionary anti-Aβ 40 and 42 vaccines. This achievement not only marked a milestone in the scientific field, but also laid the foundations for a company committed to the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. With the support of his family, Dr. Sarasa founded Araclon Biotech, S.L. in 2004, acquiring the patents that represent hope for the prevention of Alzheimer’s.
2006: Financial boost
As research progressed and the Alzheimer’s vaccine began to take shape in the early preclinical phases, financial support became an inevitable necessity. In 2006, thanks to the interest of an investment group led by Aragonese investors, Araclon Biotech received the financial boost it needed to expand its operations.
2008: Support for science
The collaboration of the Government of La Rioja also played a crucial role in facilitating the work of Araclon Biotech, with the installation of cutting-edge laboratories at the Biomedical Research Center of La Rioja (CIBIR), thereby strengthening the company's commitment to innovation and progress.
2012: A consolidated company
Over time, Araclon Biotech developed different phases of the ABvac40 vaccine, as well as other notable projects such as an ELISA diagnostic kit to detect amyloid (Aβ) beta peptide in plasma, which required a new injection of capital. The entry of Grifols as a majority shareholder in 2012 marked a new chapter in the history of Araclon Biotech, consolidating its operations in Zaragoza and unifying its efforts under one roof at Vía Hispanidad 21.
Current values: Honesty, humility and perseverance
A deeply human approach rooted in solid values and a true vocation for science has been Araclon Biotech’s hallmark since its inception. Today it continues to persue its mission with renewed impetus, and with the ever-present legacy of its founder and the unwavering commitment of its team to cutting-edge research and the search for innovative solutions to combat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. With each discovery, we reaffirm our commitment to improving the quality of life of those fighting these diseases, offering hope and support to those who need it most.
Vocation for research.
Our founder
José Manuel Sarasa Barrio
1957
- Event
-
José Manuel Sarasa Barrio was born in Ayerbe (Huesca) on February 13
1980
- Event
-
Graduated in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zaragoza
1985
- Event
-
Obtained his Doctorate, awarded the Extraordinary Prize
1989
- Event
-
Granted the position of full professor in the University of Zaragoza’s Department of Anatomy and Embryology
1989 - 1990
- Event
-
Trained in the laboratory of Dr José María Palacios, in Basel (Switzerland)
1993
- Event
-
Founded the Neurobiology Laboratory at the University of Zaragoza’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
1993 - 2007
- Event
-
Founding director of the University of Zaragoza’s Neurobiology Laboratory
1995
- Event
-
Trained in the laboratory of Dr. Alejandro Alagón, expert in antivenoms and immunology, at the Autonomous University of Mexico
2004
- Event
-
Founded Araclon Biotech S.L.
- Event
-
Recognized as 'Aragonese of the year' in the Science and Research category
2006
- Event
-
Appointed professor of Comparative Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy at the University of Zaragoza
2009
- Event
-
Named 'Altoaragonese of the year'
- Event
-
Recognised by the Spanish Confederation of Relatives of Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Patients (CEAFA) in the Research category
2014
- Event
-
Named Numerary Academician by the Royal Academy of Medicine of Zaragoza
2020
- Event
-
José Manuel Sarasa Barrio dies in Zaragoza on May 20 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
|
1957 |
José Manuel Sarasa Barrio was born in Ayerbe (Huesca) on February 13 |
|
1980 |
Graduated in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zaragoza |
|
1985 |
Obtained his Doctorate, awarded the Extraordinary Prize |
|
1989 |
Granted the position of full professor in the University of Zaragoza’s Department of Anatomy and Embryology |
|
1989 - 1990 |
Trained in the laboratory of Dr José María Palacios, in Basel (Switzerland) |
|
1993 |
Founded the Neurobiology Laboratory at the University of Zaragoza’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine |
|
1993 - 2007 |
Founding director of the University of Zaragoza’s Neurobiology Laboratory |
|
1995 |
Trained in the laboratory of Dr. Alejandro Alagón, expert in antivenoms and immunology, at the Autonomous University of Mexico |
|
2004 |
Founded Araclon Biotech S.L. |
|
Recognized as 'Aragonese of the year' in the Science and Research category |
|
|
2006 |
Appointed professor of Comparative Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy at the University of Zaragoza |
|
2009 |
Named 'Altoaragonese of the year' |
|
Recognised by the Spanish Confederation of Relatives of Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Patients (CEAFA) in the Research category |
|
|
2014 |
Named Numerary Academician by the Royal Academy of Medicine of Zaragoza |
|
2020 |
José Manuel Sarasa Barrio dies in Zaragoza on May 20 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic |
His research in figures
+ 30 years
of experience in basic research
+ 20 years
researching topics related to Alzheimer's Disease
Several
biotechnological patents related to the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
+ 50
scientific publications of international impact
+ 35
gene sequences reported in GenBank
+ 12
research projects (since 1989)
Vocation for science
What we do
We are your reference in research and development in biotechnology for neurological diseases
Communications to partners
Access the information intended for the partners of Araclon Biotech.
How can we help you?
Contact the Araclon Biotech team.