Biosceptre has today announced a partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) that has made possible the new analytical laboratory within the university’s Biologics Innovation Facility (BIF).
The new laboratory, established with the support of Biosceptre, will enable BIF to fast-track analytical and process development capabilities and support the Australian bio-processing sector at a critical time in the sector’s growth.
BIF is the only facility of its kind in an Australian University and is the NSW node of the National Biologics Facility in the National Collaborative Infrastructure Research Strategy funded Therapeutics Innovation Australia. The Facility also provides the only National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training curriculum in the Southern Hemisphere.
This strategic partnership with BIF provides translational support in antibody characterisation and development for Biosceptre’s targeted therapeutic and immune-oncology development programs.
“UTS stands as one of Australia’s most progressive universities and Biosceptre is delighted to be collaborating with them in the establishment of this new laboratory,” said Mr Gavin Currie, CEO of Biosceptre.
“Australia and the South East Asian region provide a good opportunity to invest in biopharmaceutical R&D, as there is exceptional research being undertaken by talented scientists in a strategic location,” he continued.
“We are very impressed by the design and setup in BIF with GMP-ready cleanrooms and single-use manufacturing technology. UTS has shown significant foresight in establishing this progressive facility which really fills a gap in the sector, that’s looking to up-scale and drive innovation.”
BIF Director, Professor Peter Ralph said that the partnership has “created a win-win, not only for UTS and Biosceptre, but for Australia’s research communities”.
“Biosceptre has shown great support and confidence in UTS and BIF and we have already been able to utilise these new capabilities to support ongoing research, including COVID-19 related projects,” he said.
Professor Ralph said that Biosceptre’s contribution broadens the horizon for the facility that can now support the sector “from data analysis to pilot scale process development”.
Image L-R: Professor Peter Ralph (UTS), Mr Gavin Currie (Biosceptre CEO), Professor Alaina Ammit (UTS), and Mr Braden Roberts (Biosceptre CBO).
Photography: J Ferguson.