The companies state that the collaboration will aim to use the benefits of discoveries linked to human target molecules on the surface of screening cells that are cosmetically relevant and can in turn be used to help research into cosmetic active ingredients.
Zwingenberg-based Brain already has significant capacities in the area of screening systems, which will be complemented by Autodisplay’s specific capabilities in the bacterial surface expression of proteins, an area where it claims to be a technology leader.
Autodisplay is also aiming to expand its own technology capabilities through the joint venture, particularly in view of the fact that it will help create a tailor-made solution that will identify new bioactives for the project.
New opportunities and stronger technology platform
“The co-operation with BRAIN once more proves that Autodisplay Biotech has successfully employed its technology in the past to build up a valid, industrially relevant screening system, opening up new opportunities for difficult-to-access targets in particular,” said Dr. Ruth Maas, CEO of Autodisplay Biotech.
The joint venture will ultimately forge the two companies' capabilities in these specific areas, to create a strategically expanded technology platform in biotech screening.
“This strategic co-operation helps us tap into an immense potential for synergy, which will make those human target molecules in particular accessible to an intensive BioActives screening which would not be accessible using traditional technologies,” said Dr Jürgen Eck, chief scientific officer at Brain.
“Screenings for new modes of action, a core competency of white biotechnology, have been at the top of Brain’s agenda for many years as they offer an immense potential for growth."
The company is hoping the latest collaboration will help to expand its EvoSolution platform, which turns biodiversity into a source of molecules that can be used for the development of bioactives and enzymes. As well as the cosmetics sector, the company also serves the pharma and food industries.