The University won the Knowledge Transfer Partnership Northern Ireland Regional Award for its work with local biotech company Fusion Antibodies, based in Dunmurry.
KTP Associate Dr Henry Kwok’s work in developing the partnership between Fusion and the School of Pharmacy began in 2004. Dr Kwok’s work enabled Fusion to produce protein from a target DNA sequence within a third of the usual time. The process will be used in a range of applications in basic research, diagnostics and therapeutics.
Research leader Dr Chris Scott, from the School of Pharmacy, welcomed the award: “The project was an excellent opportunity to work collaborating with Fusion Antibodies. This has led to further growth and expansion of the company.
“These proteins can be used in the battle against infectious diseases and the development of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Plans are under way to produce the kit commercially.
“This is an excellent example of the way in which Queen’s can help to produce jobs and revenue in Northern Ireland.”
Dr Kwok said: “KTP offered me a unique chance to develop my scientific career by working in both industrial and academic environments which gave me a chance to learn valuable managerial and technical experience.”
Dr Shane Olwill, of Fusion Antibodies, said: “The KTP programme allowed us to overcome bottle necks in our production capabilities. Our partners at Queen’s introduced some key improvements allowing scale-up of protein production in a cost-effective manner.”
The Head of the Knowledge Transfer Centre at Queen’s, Dr Mary Flynn, said: “Our work provides opportunities for academic staff to reach out to local industry, gather real material for research papers and grants and case study material for teaching, final year and MSC projects.”
The partnership contributed to curriculum development in the School of Pharmacy on aspects of biotechnology and drug development.
Source: By Queen's University Belfast
