Under the two-year agreement, SIgN will provide the immunological expertise required for the research, while Cytos will share with SIgN its proprietary technology for the isolation of fully human monoclonal antibodies[2]. This sharing of expertise between public sector R&D and industry could significantly cut down the time needed to develop such targeted antibodies, and could accelerate the process of finding effective treatment approaches for HFMD.
Said Prof Paola Castagnoli, Scientific Director of SIgN and also the SIgN Principal Investigator involved in the collaboration, "We are excited about this partnership as it will provide researchers on both sides with the opportunities of sharing expert knowledge and ideas. This will contribute towards SIgN's aim of building a critical mass of skills and knowledge needed to establish immunology as a core capability in Singapore, and to the advancement of research in human immunology."
Martin F. Bachmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Cytos commented: "I am delighted that by means of this collaboration with SIgN we can apply our proprietary technology for human monoclonal antibodies alsoin the field of endemic diseases, an important area with urgent medical needs. I am looking forward to an exciting collaboration with the team at SIgN."
The specialized technology[3] employed in the research collaboration aims for fast isolation and identification of fully human monoclonal antibodies that are highly specific to the EV71. Based on the knowledge gained from these monoclonal antibodies, the scientists should obtain greater understanding of the characteristics of the disease-causing virus EV71. This knowledge may directly influence public health management of the disease and contribute to improved healthcare for patients.
"The convergence of the strengths of both parties SIgN's in-depth capabilities in immunology and infectious diseases, together with Cytos' established antibody isolation techniques brings about a synergy that will catalyze the translation of basic scientific knowledge into useful clinical applications. With the links that SIgN has with its industrial partners and the medical community, we are confident that SIgN is in an advantageous position to find relevant solutions to the pressing medical needs of today," said Prof Philippe Kourilsky, Chairman of SIgN.
HFMD was made a legally notifiable disease in Singapore, during the EV71-associated outbreak in 2000 that caused more than 70 deaths in children across Asia, including seven deaths in children in Singapore. Last year, the number of reported cases of HFMD in Singapore spiked to an all-time high of over 9000, resulting in the closure of many pre-schools and childcare centres. The Ministry of Health's record[4] also showed that there was a higher circulation of the EV71 strain, which has been known to cause infections to the brain, heart and lungs.
About the Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)
SIgN, officially inaugurated on 15 January 2008, is a research consortium under A*STAR's Biomedical Research Council. It is aimed at building on the strengths of the existing immunology research groups at A*STAR, as well as expanding and strengthening the immunology research expertise in Singapore. SIgN's objectives include coordinating basic, translational and clinical research needed to establish immunology as a core capability in Singapore. The major focus areas of research at SIgN are Infection and Inflammation, in which SIgN researchers investigate immune responses and regulation in disease-specific contexts. Through this, SIgN aims to build up a strong platform in basic human immunology research for better translation of research findings into clinical applications. SIgN also sets out to establish productive links with local initiatives within Biopolis and across Singapore, as well as to obtain international recognition as a leading immunology research hub while establishing relationships with the best institutions in the world. For more information about SIgN, please visit www.sign.a-star.edu.sg.
About Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
A*STAR is Singapore's lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based Singapore. A*STAR actively nurtures public sector research and development in Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, with a particular focus on fields essential to Singapore's manufacturing industry and new growth industries. It oversees 22 research institutes, consortia and centres, and supports extramural research with the universities, hospital research centres and other local and international partners. At the heart of this knowledge intensive work is human capital. Top local and international scientific talent drive knowledge creation at A*STAR research institutes. The Agency also sends scholars for undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral training in the best universities, a reflection of the high priority A*STAR places on nurturing the next generation of scientific talent. For more information about A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg.
