21 January 2009
Monash University has signed an agreement with Dako A/S, a leading worldwide provider of diagnostic products used to develop monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancer.
Under the licence and development agreement, Monash Antibody Technologies Facility (MATF) will develop novel monoclonal antibodies for global commercialisation opportunities.
MATF Deputy Director, Michael Spiegel said the exclusive agreement would cement Monash as a world-leader in the area of monoclonal antibody research and development.
"Our facility has been established to provide university and industry access to research, diagnostic and therapeutic tools that did not previously exist and make those tools available for those that need them the most," Mr Spiegel said.
Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies that are identical because they are produced by one type of immune cell that are all clones of a single parent cell. It is possible to manufacture monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to almost any substance, so the antibodies can then serve to detect or purify that substance. The use of monoclonal antibodies has become an important tool in biochemistry, molecular biology and medicine, but there is a dramatic global shortfall in supply due to increased demand by the world's researchers who are using monoclonal antibodies in an ever-growing number of applications.
MATF Director Alan Sawyer said the collaboration was in line with the facility's vision to provide the international research and diagnostic community with the best reagents possible and said the collaboration with Dako A/S will ensure Monash is recognised on the worldwide stage -- particularly in the key markets of Europe and the United States.
"Dako is a world-leader in providing critically important cancer diagnostics and we are pleased to be able to assist them in the development of products helping global community identify life-threatening diseases," Mr Sawyer said.
The MATF is a high throughput facility producing thousands of custom-made, high-affinity monoclonal antibodies each year. It is a unique facility helping to alleviate the bottleneck of antibody supply experienced by many researchers working on protein function and physiological processes.
For more information about the agreement or the use of monoclonal antibodies in research, MATF Deputy Director, Michael Spiegel can be contacted for interview on mobile on: +61 437 190 162, office: +61 3 9905 8905 or email michael.spiegel@matf.monash.org or visit the Monash Antibody Technologies Facility website.
For further assistance, contact Samantha Blair, Monash University Media and Communications, +61 3 9903 4841 or +61 439 013 951.
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