The SWX Swiss Exchange has changed its listing rules and introduced new indices in an attempt to attract initial public offerings (IPOs). It has seen none for two years.

Last week Basilea Pharmaceutica, a Swiss biopharmaceutical company, said it is planning to launch an IPO this month led by Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) and Morgan Stanley. The Basilea offer will be the first IPO on the SWX Swiss Exchange since March 2002, according to Dealogic, the investment banking research firm.