Intas to create clones for protein production

Intas Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (IBPL) plans to generate clones for commercial production of protein.

The company has finalised a Research and Development (R&D) agreement for the development and production of therapeutic protein with Viropro International Inc, a subsidiary of Viropro Inc. Both firms have signed an MoU to this effect.

According to a company release, IBPL plans to generate clones to improve yields, quality as well as to adopt novel expression systems (including transgenics) with the objective of building intellectual property (IP) in the long run.

However, company officials were not immediately available for comment.

The company is set to tap emerging opportunities in active biologics ingredient (ABI) and bio-generics market. IBPL has undertaken initiatives to enhance R&D work on novel bio-therapeutic molecules and has been aggressive on establishing co-development partnerships with several technology companies in North America.

Mani Iyer, Director, IBPL, said, "IBPL is looking to leverage certain proprietary technologies and expertise of Viropro towards co-development of molecule dedicated towards bio-therapeutic products. As part of the announcement made earlier regarding equity investment in Viropro, an initial sum of $50,000 has been sent to Viropro as the down payment towards the first payable. IBPL and Viropro, through this agreement, will explore opportunities to manufacture and commercialise the product.

Both the companies will have the right to sub-licence the corresponding technologies and materials to the third party through out-licencing or partnership agreements.

As mutually agreed by Intas Biopharmaceuticals Limited and Viropro, the respective companies will retain the IP rights throughout the term of the agreement.