Co-Founder, Atanis | Associate Professor of Translational Immunology, University of Bern

Dr. Alexander Eggel is an Associate Professor of Translational Immunology at the University of Bern and a leading figure in allergy and immunology research. His academic work bridges fundamental immunological mechanisms with real-world clinical applications, forming the scientific foundation of several successful biotechnology ventures - including Atanis Biotech AG, which he co-founded in 2021.

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Academic Career & Research Leadership

Dr. Eggel leads a research group within the Department of Rheumatology & Immunology at the University of Bern, a role he has held since 2013. Since 2022, he has served as Principal Investigator and Associate Professor in Translational Immunology. His laboratory operates at the Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) and the University Hospital Bern, where his team investigates the biology of type 2 immune responses, IgE-mediated mechanisms, and pathways central to allergic inflammation and immune dysregulation.

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A recipient of the Theodor-Kocher Prize (2021), Dr. Eggel has authored more than 50 scientific publications, reflecting a sustained contribution to high-impact immunological research. His work is supported by competitive funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), including an Ambizione grant and ongoing project funding focused on multifunctional IgE inhibitors.

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Translational Research & Entrepreneurial Vision

A consistent theme throughout Dr. Eggel’s career is the translation of complex molecular insights into technologies that improve patient care. His research has led to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic concepts in allergy medicine, laying the groundwork for multiple biotech spin-offs.

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In 2021, these translational efforts culminated in the founding of Atanis Biotech AG, a University of Bern spin-off dedicated to transforming allergy diagnostics. Atanis’ platform recreates allergic reactions safely in vitro using only patient serum or plasma, eliminating the risks associated with traditional allergen exposure and enabling more accurate, accessible testing worldwide.

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Dr. Eggel’s broader entrepreneurial footprint includes contributions to additional biotech ventures, including Excellergy - where his mechanistic insights into IgE regulation helped shape early scientific strategy. While these endeavors reflect his broad impact across the immunology innovation landscape, his primary academic home remains the University of Bern, where his fundamental and translational research continues to drive new clinical possibilities.

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