Cobra Biologics (Cobra), international CDMO of biologics and pharmaceuticals, and Alan Dickson, professor of biotechnology at The University of Manchester (UoM) announced a two-year collaboration focused on improving understanding of cellular bioprocessing required for the scaled production of therapeutic proteins. The collaboration is supported via the FLexible Interchange Programme (FLIP) Scheme from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The partnership will address the need for greater predictability and certainty in process development and scale-up for the production of protein-based biopharmaceuticals for application in therapeutic areas including cancer and inflammation.

The agreement will enable the exchange of knowledge, technology and skills and will allow Cobra access to UoM’s internationally renowned academic and associated research group. professor Dickson will benefit from Cobra’s production data and significant operational knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes.

Financial terms and terms relating to IP have not been disclosed.

Dr Daniel Smith, CSO Cobra Biologics, said, “This is an exciting and unique opportunity for Cobra Biologics to gain scientific and technological insights from one of the senior UK academics working in the bioprocessing area.

“In addition, professor Dickson has links and collaborations with UK and international academics, addressing all aspects of production of biopharmaceuticals. The insights of professor Dickson into the various processes and tools used, combined with historical data case studies undertaken by Cobra Biologics, will allow better definition and enhancement of our current manufacturing processes and to build towards the idealised platforms and processes for future manufacture of innovator and biosimilar molecules.”

Professor Alan Dickson, The University of Manchester, commented, “For an academic, FLIP support offers a tremendous opportunity to place the intellectual driver of research in the context of commercial perspectives.

“In working with colleagues at Cobra Biologics over the next two years, we hope to develop predictive visions for choice, manipulation and decision-making in manufacturing processes. The collaboration will offer long-term benefits for the University of Manchester, Cobra Biologics and, consequently, for the biopharmaceuticals sector in the North West of England. This is a true exchange of vision across the industrial/academic interface, in which both partners will learn from each other's perspectives, with learnings that will be translated to subsequent research projects and commercial activities.”