Progen signs manufacturing contract with US-based Sequella 21-Jan
Biotechnology company Progen Industries has signed a contract with Sequella Inc to manufacture a protein (known as MPT64) for use in human trials of a new tuberculosis (TB) skin patch diagnostic test. US-based Sequella is dedicated to the development and commercialisation of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines for TB. Progen will manufacture the protein for human trials in South Africa, which is being funded by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Progen's Managing Director Lewis Lee said: "Alongside our key R&D initiatives in drug discovery and development, Progen has been pro-actively broadening its contract manufacturing business for the local and international biotechnology industry. In the last 18 months we have been contracted to undertake development and manufacturing work for three US based companies and various reputable local companies in Australia and NZ.
"The contract with Sequella, a progressive US Biotechnology company, is another significant international appreciation of our contract manufacturing capabilities. Moreover, involvement in a WHO sponsored project for a communicable disease with global consequences such as TB is a very worthy undertaking," he said.
Dr Carol Nacy, CEO of Sequella, Inc added; "Sequella is very pleased to be working with Progen and to benefit from the company's contract manufacturing capabilities. We are confident that this patch test will be a significant improvement in the diagnosis of TB and will play a very important role in reducing the spread of this virulent and devastating disease."
Progen will commence the contract-manufacturing work for Sequella early this year.
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