VTU Technology, Minapharm sign rHSA licensing deal

Pursuant to the deal, Minapharm will leverage VTU´s Pichia pastoris protein expression technology in rHSA production and VTU will contribute expression strain development and bioprocess optimization process for the production.

Rhein-Minapharm-Biogenetics, Minapharm’s subsidiary, will be responsible for R&D, production and marketing of the therapeutic candidate.

VTU Technology business development head Dr. Thomas Purkarthofer said, "We are delighted to collaborate with Minapharm in this important project. This agreement underlines the attractiveness of our Pichia pastoris protein expression platform and demonstrates VTU´s capabilities to leverage the high potential of our technology."

Minapharm owns product’s exclusive marketing rights in Egypt along with options for other Middle Eastern countries, whereas VTU owns promotional rights in the remaning parts of the world.

Revenues from the product will be shared by the companies. Additional financial details of the deal were kept confidential.

Minapharm biopharmaceutical project senior manager Frank Mueller said, "This collaboration agreement with VTU offers a viable opportunity for Minapharm to further sustain its regional market leadership while fostering new models of cost-effective biotherapeutic innovation."