Purely Proteins Ltd (Cambridge,
UK) today announced the initiation of
a research collaboration to discover and
develop new biomedical products with Asahi-Kasei
Corporation (Tokyo, Japan). Aimed at expanding
Asahi's already highly successful range
of bio-materials, the project will develop
new methods for purifying proteins using
the proprietary ligand discovery systems
developed at Purely Proteins.
Commenting on the program, Purely Proteins'
Chief Executive Officer, Dr David Bailey,
said, "We are delighted to be working
with Asahi-Kasei, a world-class chemical
company with unrivalled experience of
developing advanced bioprocessing materials.
This project presents both companies with
major new opportunities for product development
in an exciting area of biotechnology."
Commenting from Asahi-Kasei, External
Technology Manager, Dr. Ogawa, said, "We
have been very impressed with the capability
of Purely Proteins' state-of-the-art science
and technology. Purely Proteins' expertise
in protein purification and ligand discovery
will complement Asahi's in-house development
programs and add significant value to
our company's existing products."
ENDS
Purely Proteins
Purely Proteins has been established
to exploit the increasing need for and
use of human proteins in human medical
research. The company purifies suites
of human proteins, as both drug targets
and bio-therapeutics, using proprietary
processes that ensure both high purity
and biological activity. Purely Proteins
also offers ligand screening services,
backed by state-of-the-art informatics,
to examine therapeutic targeting to these
proteins.
Asahi-Kasei
Originally focused on the fibers and
chemicals business sectors, today Asahi
Kasei is growing through diversification
into the fields of housing, health care
and electronics. Asahi Kasei Corporation
has seven constituent corporations - Asahi
Kasei Fibers, Asahi Kasei Chemicals, Asahi
Kasei Life & Living, Asahi Kasei Construction
Materials, Asahi Kasei Homes, Asahi Kasei
EMD and Asahi Kasei Pharma. Special emphasis
is placed on R&D in the fields of
electronics, health care, environmental
preservation, and energy conservation.
Further information about the Asahi-Kasei
Corporation can be found at http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp
