Agilent Technologies, the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications, has collaborated with Seoul National University, one of the world's leading universities and Korea's top research university, on a new research centre that will support the College of Pharmacy's New Drug Development Centre.

As stated in a memorandum of understanding signed by Seoul National University's College of Pharmacy and Agilent, the collaboration aims to conduct drug metabolism studies; research, evaluate and develop new compounds; understand the remedial effects and toxicity; assess pharmacokinetics; and conduct clinical tests for drugs.

"The College of Pharmacy at Seoul National University has a long tradition of driving innovation," said professor Bong-Jin Lee, dean of the college. "We have been leading Korea's pharmaceutical industry through the strategic use of technology and driving the development of new drugs. As we prepare students for the future, we will push the frontiers of drug development by expanding our research facilities, producing outstanding research, and leading the development of technology. We are pleased to collaborate with Agilent, as our scientists and researchers require the latest, most sophisticated instruments for their work."

Agilent will provide bio-analytical instruments and expertise in pharmaceutical drug testing and multi-omic biological systems to the College of Pharmacy. The jointly established research centre will also serve as Agilent's reference site for drug development.

"One of the megatrends fueling life science research is the aging population," said Agilent's Rod Minett, general manager, Life Sciences, South Korea and South Asia-Pacific region. "Through continual research, trials and developments, we believe that newer, more effective drugs can be developed. As such, Agilent is pleased to support SNU College of Pharmacy's drive to create better drugs for a safer and healthier population."

This new research facility will be located at the New Drug Development Centre at SNU's College of Pharmacy. The New Drug Development Centre is an advanced multi-purpose research center for drug development, from identification of new drugs through to clinical trial testing. The six-story center houses facilities for analysis, efficacy testing, and medicinal ingredient research; it also contains a medicinal chemistry laboratory.