The company's purpose is to conduct research and experimental development in the field of biotechnology. In addition, the company may participate in, establish, acquire, and merge with other companies of any kind, both domestically and abroad. It may also acquire, encumber, and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights, both domestically and abroad, and establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by resolution of the management. The company may grant loans or other financing to its direct or indirect parent companies and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, and provide security of any kind for the obligations of such other companies, including by way of pledges or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or by guarantees of any kind.