Singapore: Agilent Technologies, Glyco-MEV laboratory at the University of Rouen, France, and Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together in order to develop tools to effectively analyze biologics and vaccines.

BTI is currently working to develop methods of producing and analyzing these biologics in animal cells while Glyco-MEV laboratory specializes in the production of those molecules in plant systems. This strategic partnership strengthens the collaboration between BTI and Glyco-MEV laboratory and is enhanced by Agilent's technological expertise to develop new, sensitive and high-throughput methodologies that are particularly adapted to the analysis of biopharmaceuticals. In addition, the Glyco-MEV laboratory will be Agilent's glycomics reference site in Europe, and BTI will be its glycomics reference site for Southeast Asia.

Professor Lam Kong Peng, executive director of BTI, said, "With increasing use of biologics to treat human diseases and with more biosimilars coming to market in the next few years, it is timely for BTI to develop novel technologies that would improve the characterization and analysis of protein-based drugs. This collaboration would enhance Singapore's reputation as a world-class destination for biologics manufacturing and R&D."

"This collaboration will enhance our international expertise with regards to the glycan analysis and engineering of biopharmaceuticals produced in plant and microalgae cells," said Prof Patrice Lerouge, director, Glyco-MEV laboratory. "We also hope that such a research initiative will facilitate exchanges of lab members and PhD students between Singapore and France."

"This research initiative enables scientists to optimize glycan analytical workflows on the Agilent HPLC-Chip/MS system," said Dr Rudolf Grimm, Agilent's director of science and technology and manager of collaborations in the Asia Pacific region. "We look forward to working with these leading organizations to drive discovery in this important field."