Biovator and BASF sign collaboration agreement to develop In Vitro test systems

Dec 18 2009

The Sweden-based biotech company Biovator and the global chemical industry leader BASF have signed a collaboration agreement for final development of In Vitro test systems capable of identifying the potential of chemical compounds to induce allergic reaction in humans. The agreement also includes a five-year BASF option of final product deliveries.

“Allergic reactions to compounds are a serious risk in new products that needs to be discovered in the early stages of product development. This collaboration has the potential to open new dimensions in early industrial research that involves testing. The future test product can become an important factor when setting new industry standards,” says Biovator CEO, Stan Mikulowski.

To meet the significant market and regulatory need for In Vitro tests in the pharmaceutical sector, Biovator signed an agreement to cooperate with AstraZeneca R&D in 2007, which was an extension of earlier collaboration.

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Biovator AB is dedicated to the innovation of In Vitro test methods for predictive testing of allergic reactions, in both Type 1 and Type 4, to meet the strong public interest in alternatives to animal tests stated in the 7th Amendment to the EU Cosmetic Directive (Directive 76/768/EEC) in which animal testing of cosmetic products is prohibited from 2009.

In addition to greatly reducing the need for animal testing, these methods will be faster and less expensive, while providing more reliable results for the chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food additive industries.

Biovator AB is a portfolio company of LinkMed. LinkMed develops life science companies in collaboration with innovators and other financiers. By contributing management and capital, LinkMed has created a portfolio of thirteen companies, four in drug development and biotechnology and nine in diagnostics and medical technology. LinkMed is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Exchange in the Small Cap section (ticker: LMED).