Fusion Antibodies has entered into a antibody engineering deal with Arius Research, a leading Canadian biotech company, dedicated to personalising cancer therapy
Fusion Antibodies will use its novel technology and expertise to engineer new recombinant antibodies for Arius, which is currently expanding its pipeline of therapeutic cancer projects.
The specific objectives and the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Simon Douglas, Fusion's chief executive officer, commented: "This contract with a leading biotech company such as Arius is tremendously important strategically for the company.
"Not only does it highlight the potential of our unique technology, but it also gives us an opportunity to work with a partner, with an extensive network of partners in biotechnology throughout North America, for the development of innovative therapies for many types of cancer".
Fusion's technology platform, Fusion Expression Technologies (FET), is a parallel tracking system that enables for the analysis of more than 500 potential protein targets or antibodies simultaneously, monitoring how different conditions, such as temperature and pH, can affect them.
The deal was also welcomed by Irish enterprise minister Maria Eagles, who added: "The outstanding achievements of Fusion Antibodies and other biotech companies are helping to strengthen Northern Ireland's international standing as a centre of excellence in life sciences.
"Fusion is among a developing cluster of internationally focused companies which are helping to convert leading-edge research into products and services that are contributing significantly to vitally important medical research and helping to transform Northern Ireland into the knowledge-led, innovation-driven and globally integrated economy".
