Russian delegation’s participation in the forum BIO 2013 causes a huge interest

The Russian delegation took part in the world largest event for professionals of the biotechnology industry, the BIO International Convention 2013.

One of the Forum’s main sessions – “Spotlight on the BRICS: Russia” on April, 22consisted of two separate blocks: “The role of biopharm clusters in the modernization and technological development of the Russian economy” and “Pharma2020. Russia's transformation from emerging to one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical markets”. The first block was marked by the reports and speeches from Sergey Tsyb, Head of the Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Andrey Ivashchenko (ChemRar), Alexey Repik (R-Pharm) and Alberto Coles (AbbVie); the second block - Oleg Fomichev, State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Nikolay Savchuk (ChemRar), Ivan Bortnik (AIRR), Igor Agamirzyan (RVC), Anna Protopapas (Takeda). The leaders and representatives of the largest Russian pharmaceutical companies and development institutions were present as the experts of the sessions. Among them: Oleg Demidov (Vnesheconombank), Petr Rodionov (Geropharm), Zakhar Golant (ÕÕI Century Medical and Pharmaceutical Projects), Dmitry Kulish (Nanolek). Over 200 participants attended the Russian session.

At the opening ceremony of the Russian exposition on April 23, 2013,the Russian biopharmaceutical company Nanolek and the US biotechnology company Lentigen, the developer of lentiviral vector technology for a wide range of therapeutic, vaccine, and bioproduction applications, including a novel VLP (virus-like particle)-based flu vaccine, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

“Such partnerships are one of the most useful tools for Pharma 2020 Strategy implementation. We wish Nanolek would become the first manufacturer of a VLP-based flu vaccine in Russia. Execution of this innovative project will provide access to efficient, high-quality and affordable vaccine for Russian patients.”- says Sergey Tsyb, Head of the Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

Production of this flu vaccine will be based on use of a break through lentiviral system for efficient expression of the vaccine in human cell lines. Nanolek will manufacture this flu vaccine at their large-scale pharmaceutical production facility in Kirov, Russia. The dates of license transfer and production launch will be announced later. At the moment the vaccine is on preclinical trials.

ChemRar High Tech Center announced the signing of a scouting agreement with Sanofi envisaged providing by ChemRar HTC early and late stage compounds that meet all the Scope criteria set. It is signed for 18 months and may be extended thereafter. With more than 20 years of experience in research in Russia, ChemRar will provide, according to the Agreement, new molecules in the following therapeutic areas: oncology, diabetes, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.

Another announcement was made by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Biopharmaceutical cluster “Northern” (BPCN@MIPT). BPCN@MIPT, the Wisconsin Technology Innovation Initiative, Inc. (Wi2) (formed to support the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health), and ChemDiv Research Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a non-exclusive consortium developing innovative therapeutics aimed at improvement of human and animal health. The overall aim of this Research and Development consortium is to jointly develop and market molecules, biological materials, medical devices, diagnostics, and other technologies and data resulting from Wi2, BPCN@MIPT and ChemDiv technologies. These platforms may include specialized training of research and clinical personnel, software programs and databases for digital healthcare.

The Russian exposition supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation showcased the leaders in developing and producing innovative biotechnological decisions, such as R-Pharm, Nanolek, International biotechnological center Generium, BiopharmÑluster "Northern", Association of Russian Innovative Regions of Russia - Samara, Krasnoyarsk, Bashkortostan, Moscow, Kaluga and state institutions – Skolkovo foundation, RVC, and others.

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