MorphoSys AG : AbD Serotec, Moredun Research Institute and Roslin Institute Announce Grant Funding to Establish Veterinary Research Reagents

MorphoSys AG announced today that its AbD Serotec business unit entered into an agreement with the Moredun Research Institute and the Roslin Institute at The University of Edinburgh to establish a broad range of research reagents in the veterinary research arena. The project is funded through an Industrial Partnership Award from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) under a joint initiative with the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS). Over the three-year term of the grant, the Moredun Research Institute and Roslin Institute combined will receive funding of nearly GBP 1 million.

The primary goal of the collaboration is to develop research reagents to study immunity in ruminant farm animals. Basic research in this area is significantly inhibited by the lack of species-specific reagents, such as antibodies and recombinant cytokines. AbD Serotec has preferred access to commercialization rights for products generated during the collaboration.

"We consider ourselves to be the leading supplier of reagents for veterinary research purposes, and this alliance will help us expand our veterinary range, thereby maintaining that position," commented Dieter Feger, Head of AbD Serotec. "Today's news also shows our commitment to develop cutting edge reagents via collaboration with renowned research organizations."

The Moredun Research Institute in Scotland is committed to promoting animal health and welfare through research and education and is recognized worldwide for its contribution to research into infectious diseases of farmed livestock. Moredun's research has led to the development of many vaccines, diagnostic tests and improved treatment strategies for farm animals across the globe.

Professor Gary Entrican from the Moredun Research Institute (and Honorary Professor at the Roslin Institute) commented: "This project will allow us to enhance the current knowledge about how immune systems are activated and regulated in sheep and cattle. This work will help identify the immunological correlates of protection to many different diseases of cattle and sheep, vital for the development of new and improved vaccines. We are excited to be working in partnership with AbD Serotec to advance this area of research and accelerate the distribution of veterinary immunological reagents to the wider research community."