Biocitech, June 30, 2010 – Biocitech, the Paris life science technology park, announces the amalgamation on its campus of the anti-infective research teams of Pharma Omnium International, a leading French pharmaceutical company specialized in research into anti-infectives.
Pharma Omnium International has considerably stepped up its research effort over the past 12 months by taking over two French biotech firms – Mutabilis in June 2009 and Cellvir in May this year. The group’s research programs are focused on two major underlying markets, namely the treatment of severe bacterial infections in general and hospital-acquired infections in particular, and therapies to combat viruses, especially Aids.
The Mutabilis researchers, who were already working on the Biocitech campus, will be merged with those from Cellvir, which is moving into new, superbly equipped facilities in Biocitech. The Pharma Omnium research center resulting from this amalgamation comprises 35 researchers, biologists, microbiologists, virologists, biochemists and medical chemists, all specialized in research into anti-infectives.
“We are delighted to welcome all the research teams of Pharma Omnium International to our campus, which is specialized in life sciences and has become a Mecca for anti-infective specialists,” said the President of Biocitech, François Boussard. “The arrival of these new researchers rounds off the range of anti-infective research already being carried out by residents of the park.”
“Centralizing Pharma Omnium’s research effort on the Biocitech campus was made possible through the close collaboration between the scientists of Pharma Omnium International and Biocitech’s operational experts on the spot, and this process of integration has established a genuine relationship of mutual trust,” added the Operations Director of Biocitech, Michel Caligiuri. “Our extensive contacts with Pharma Omnium International enabled us to get to know their activities well and to understand their needs so as to be able to offer them a suitable and personalized service.”
“Biocitech embodies a service ethos and enjoys an international reputation in life sciences, which will be major advantages for speeding up our research into promising molecules against viruses, especially HIV,” said the Chairman of Pharma Omnium International, Stéphane Huguet. “Installing all our researchers on the Biocitech campus is another milestone in the development of our anti-infective research unit.”
About Biocitech
The Biocitech technology park for life sciences offers a world-class environment and services for the development of biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and fine chemical companies. Biocitech is on the outskirts of Paris, only 20 minutes from the city center and Charles de Gaulle airport. It is privately-owned and provides secure premises and comprehensive facilities based on the latest technology. It has received regulatory approval for conformity to environmental protection standards. Companies can use one or many of the services offered. These include offices, laboratories and a range of technical and scientific services - all designed to let entrepreneurs concentrate their time and resources on their core business. Companies already established at Biocitech represent a wide variety of complementary disciplines and many are working on collaborative projects.
Along with other organizations in the Ile-de-France region around Paris, Biocitech plays a key role in the Medicen Paris Region network. This is a healthcare and new therapy cluster designated by the French government as internationally competitive and hence qualified for special privileges.
For further information: http://www.biocitech.com
Lynne Chapman ANDREW LLOYD & ASSOCIATES http://www.ala.com lynne@ala.com
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