Biotage, Vision Source, Oxford Expression Technologies Ltd

Biotage is now selling SPE products directly into non-pharma application areas within the UK, markets previously managed by a distributor. The company’s sample preparation products are available in a variety of media types and formats for bioanalytical, forensic, environmental and agrochemical/food applications. "This is a logical step for Biotage. Many applications for our products exist beyond the biopharmaceutical market, where Biotage has focused historically. We are now actively seeking to broaden our customer base and this is one of the routes we will exploit. SPE is a product area in which Biotage has great knowledge and experience. This is something we are going to take advantage of going forward," said Torben Jørgensen, CEO.

"Our strategy to invest more heavily in the sample prep area and the expansion of direct sales in the UK has excited our Marketing and Sales teams. The Sample Prep market is growing and we feel we have excellent technology and potential to grow our market share. This move is important for us as it enables us to get closer to our customers in the UK market at the same time as we are venturing into new customer segments," said Scott Carr, VP of Commercial Operations.

Vision Source has been appointed by Lumenera as its exclusive partners for microscopy camera systems in the UK & Ireland. Lumenera’s Sylvain Dignard said he was excited to have such an experienced sales and distribution channel as offered by Richard Fry and his team based in Axbridge. “Lumenera is committed to providing unparalleled Customer Service and world-class technical assistance. Our goal is to provide our customers with services and experiences that exceed expectations. The reputation of Vision Source for immediate customer support has been built over more than ten years and at Lumenera, we believe they will help raise our profile in the growing marketing here in the UK and Ireland.”

Oxford Expression Technologies Ltd (OET), a provider of baculovirus-based protein expression products and services, has signed research collaboration agreements with ParaTechs and LifeSensors. Investigations will include assessing the potential impact of expressing a Vankyrin gene in tandem with a foreign gene on the quality and yield of the foreign protein; also to compare vectors expressing Vankyrin gene-fusions in ParaTechs Vankyrin-Enhanced cell lines, with standard insect cell lines.Under the agreement with LifeSensors, the two companies will work together to incorporate a SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) tag into OET’s flashBAC system, and evaluate whether this increases the quality of protein produced. “The collaborations form part of our ongoing strategy of developing new and improved protein expression systems for our customers,” said James Bernard, Director, OET. “We’re delighted to be working alongside these companies and look forward to generating exciting results.” OET was recently named ‘Best Early Stage Biotech’ at the Oxford and South-East Bioscience Awards, in recognition of its introduction of its new technology with commercial value and development of a revenue stream.