Almac and VTU Technology have entered into a collaboration to offer joint services for the expression of recombinant proteins with site-specific modification and labelling, such as PEGylation for half-life extension of proteins.
 
The alliance aims to provide several benefits to biopharma companies seeking fast-track protein expression and process development and subsequent site-specific protein modification. This integrated service platform combines VTU’s high-expression Pichia technology and speed in expression strain and process development along with Almac’s expertise in peptide and protein engineering techniques for the improvement of drug products. The alliance aims to offer customers an integrated approach with a smooth technology transfer throughout all phases.
 
"We are delighted that our Pichia pastoris platform enables the production of intein-fusion proteins at high yields and proved to be perfectly compatible with Almac’s site-specific protein modification technology,” said Dr. Thomas Purkarthofer, head of business development at VTU Technology. “This collaboration will help to further demonstrate the broad applicability of our Pichia protein production platform.”
 
“This exciting collaboration with has enabled us to demonstrate the utility of our unique protein engineering technology in Pichia therefore making our site-specific protein labelling solutions more accessible to the biotechnology community,” said Dr. Stephen Barr, president of Almac’s Sciences Business Unit.