Under the deal signed by Seoul National University’s College of Pharmacy and Agilent, the partnership is aimed at carrying out drug metabolism studies; research, evaluate and develop new compounds; understand the remedial effects and toxicity; assess pharmacokinetics; and conduct clinical tests for drugs.
Seoul National University’s College of Pharmacy dean Bong-Jin Lee said the college has a long tradition of driving innovation.
"We have been leading Korea’s pharmaceutical industry through the strategic use of technology and driving the development of new drugs," Lee said.
"As we prepare students for the future, we will push the frontiers of drug development by expanding our research facilities, producing outstanding research, and leading the development of technology.
"We are pleased to collaborate with Agilent, as our scientists and researchers require the latest, most sophisticated instruments for their work."
As part of the deal, Agilent will offer bio-analytical instruments and expertise in pharmaceutical drug testing and multi-omic biological systems to the College of Pharmacy.
The company said that the jointly established research center will also serve as its reference site for drug development.
Agilent general manager of Life Sciences, South Korea and South Asia-Pacific region Rod Minett said through continual research, trials and developments, the company believes that newer, more effective drugs can be developed.
"As such, Agilent is pleased to support SNU College of Pharmacy’s drive to create better drugs for a safer and healthier population," Minett said.
The new drug development center will be used for drug development, from identification of new drugs through to clinical trial testing.