Drug company forms manufacturing alliance with CSIRO

Biotechnology company Progen Industries Ltd and the CSIRO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the research, development and manufacture of new drugs.

CSIRO Molecular Science has expertise in the early stage processes of drug development including processes related to the optimisation of fermentation conditions and the purification of potential drug candidates. Progen Industries is the leading Australian contract manufacturer for the later stages of drug development (for use in human clinical trials) in accordance with the standards required by the Australian Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).

Under the terms of the MOU, early stage drug research developed at the CSIRO may be directed to Progen as the projects progress to clinical trials where cGMP manufacturing is necessary. In addition, Progen can tap into CSIRO's expertise in process optimisation. Furthermore Progen are able to offer clinical trial management experience.