As part of the MoU, BTI will team up Glyco-MEV laboratory and Agilent to develop new analytical tools and techniques to confirm the safety and effectiveness of these biologics.
BTI executive director Lam Kong Peng said that the company was developing novel technologies to improve characterization and analysis of protein-based drugs at a time when use of biologics to treat human diseases is increasing and availability of more biosimilars is likely to grow over the years.
Under the strategic partnership, Glyco-MEV laboratory and BTI will serve as Agilent’s glycomics reference site in Europe, and Southeast Asia, respectively.
Commenting on the MoU, Glyco-MEV laboratory director Patrice Lerouge said, "This collaboration will enhance our international expertise with regards to the glycan analysis and engineering of biopharmaceuticals produced in plant and microalgae cells."
BTI is currently developing methods of manufacturing and analyzing these biologics in animal cells, while Glyco-MEV laboratory produces those molecules in plant systems.
Agilent science and technology director Rudolf Grimm said the research initiative will also enable scientists to optimize glycan analytical workflows on the Agilent HPLC-Chip/MS system.