The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Texas A&M System and Xoma covers programs for advancing healthcare research and technologies through the development of new methods, standards and intellectual properties that, if implemented, will advance the leadership position of the state of Texas in biopharmaceutical research.
Xoma and the Texas A&M System will discuss working together to develop next-generation systems and processes to improve and accelerate protein and antibody manufacturing. More specifically, the organizations plan to discuss the design and establishment of a GMP manufacturing facility within the state of Texas to spur academic research in diverse biological and bioengineering disciplines, and create a world-class biological manufacturing capacity within the State.
For the Texas A&M System, this program could result in a significant gain in expertise, capabilities and capacity in monoclonal antibody research and production in the state of Texas. For Xoma, the program is intended to provide access to new processes and technologies, additional manufacturing capacity, process development facilities, and research personnel that could help accelerate the translation of Xoma’s innovative technologies into the practice of biological manufacturing.
Steven Engle, chairman and CEO of Xoma, said: “Through this cross functional endeavor between industry and university, we hope to meet the advanced needs of the biological manufacturing industry for years to come.”
Brett Giroir, vice chancellor for research for the Texas A&M System, said: “We expect that the project will generate new opportunities for rapid translation of biomedical discoveries into real life-saving products. The collaboration also holds the promise to develop manufacturing technologies that position the state of Texas as the partner of choice for biotechnology companies in the future.”