Pharmaceutical Technologist - November 2007 - (Page 8)

News // Outsourced R&D in membrane biology University offers new expertise One of the UK’s most successful academic entrepreneurs has teamed up with the University of Leeds (UK) to offer outsourced R&D in membrane biology to pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical companies. Tony Marchington, who turned his spin-out company Oxford Molecular into a business worth €650 million, will work alongside the university’s new Centre for Integrative Membrane Biology (CIMB) to broker research contracts with industry, based on Leeds’ world-class expertise in membrane biology. Membrane biology research is central to the improved treatment of human disease with pharmaceutical drugs; currently, approximately 75% of drugs have their effects via membrane proteins. Dr Marchington says: “As the pharma and healthcare industries continue the trend to outsource their fundamental research and early stage development, the natural recipients of this work are universities, such as Leeds, that have both research excellence in these areas, and can package and offer that expertise in ways that meet industry requirements.” The partnership will offer a co-ordinated expert research resource to industry addressing membrane function at all levels. “Leeds has exceptional breadth of expertise including world-class research capability in membrane biology; and as the market for targeted drugs accelerates, we believe that there will be great demand for their services. With our combined knowledge, experience and contacts, we are in a formidable position to capitalize on the strengths of this partnership,” comments he added. www.campuspr.co.uk New DNA-based technology A new application of human DNA testing can show with 99.9% accuracy whether an individual has been injured by a specific chemical or toxin. Furthermore, the technology, msds1, can also identify whether any pain has occurred as a result. Bruce S. Gillis, CEO of the Cytokine Institute, which developed the technology, believes that it will transform how companies respond to hazard communication, management protocols and government mandates, including REACH, the new European Community regulations on chemicals and foods, and their safe use. The potential impact of this human DNA-based technology is significant for companies seeking ways to reduce their liability claims. Already it is being used in US legal cases to identify unfounded and frivolous claims in class-action suits. Dr Gillis comments that msds1 “also marks a significant leap forward in the field of medical diagnosis and treatment of injuries, ensuring that employees and consumers are given the fastest and most effective treatment for a particular type of toxic poisoning”. www.cytokineinstitute.com Baxter’s state-of-the-art expansion A cytotoxic contract manufacturing site in Germany has been expanded and now incorporates state-of-the-art technologies designed to improve safety and performance. Baxter Bio Pharma Solutions enlarged its facility in Halle (Westfalen), Germany, to more than 102m2 to meet the growing demand of the cytotoxic contract manufacturing market. The expansion includes innovative technologies to safely handle organic solvents, including a fully automated loading cart and in-process quality analysis technology. The cart uses senses to navigate the building and can transport cytotoxic vials from filling and auto-load them into freeze dryers without human attendance. “By using the latest technology, we eliminate human exposure to the cytotoxics, and reduce contamination-risk,” said Thomas Julien, the company’s director of manufacturing. The high containment manufacturing expansion was designed to improve product quality, safety and integrity, while allowing more control over the manufacturing process. Burkhead Wichert, vice president of manufacturing for Baxter’s Halle facility, says: “Our customers benefit from the expanded capacity, leading edge technology, and 50 years of experience in handling cytotoxic parenterals.” www.baxterbiopharmasolutions.com 8 November 2007 l pharmaceutical technologist http://www.campuspr.co.uk http://www.cytokineinstitute.com http://www.baxterbiopharmasolutions.com

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Pharmaceutical Technologist Contents Editor's Comment News Morpheus Feeling the Pressure Legal Crusaders The Holy-Grail of Start-Up Biotech Special Feature Q&A

Pharmaceutical Technologist - November 2007

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