Global service provider Almac has successfully completed the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Queens University Belfast, to develop, improve and embed bioprocesses in order to facilitate the delivery of novel products for its biocatalysis business. 

The project was awarded the highest grade of “Outstanding” by the KTP grading panel for its achievement in meeting KTP’s objectives.

The overall partnership aim was to allow technology transfer of fermentation and molecular/microbiology expertise from Queens University to Almac. Almac met the specific partnership objectives by not only sharing a program of work with academics at Queens, but also attending training courses organised through University College London and embedding key learning back into the company. 

The resulting success of this collaboration is that Almac can now deliver a fully integrated fermentation, optimization and bio-product service to its customers. Since completion of the KTP, Almac have successfully scaled fermentation and bio-oxidation reactions to thousands of litres.

“To receive the highest grade of ‘Outstanding’ is a huge achievement for Almac, and testament to the commitment of the team involved,” said Dr. Tom Moody, head of biocatalysis and radiolabelling services, Almac. “Not only have we further strengthened our long-standing relationship with Queens University, but we have also increased our service offering within the biocatalysis field to our clients, thus allowing us to compete in an area which was previously beyond our reach.”

This achievement follows from an extremely successful year for Almac’s biocatalysis service offering.  In 2012, the comapny saw the launch of its metabolite synthesis services, winning a Belfast Telegraph Award in Excellence in Technology, and announced an industry-leading biocatalysis collaboration with DSM Pharmaceutical Products.