BIOLAN, through OSASEN, its health division, and CIC bioGUNE -member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance and BRTA- have initiated a collaboration that will allow the market launch of a new serological test, the OSAtest-IgG/IgM, which allows the rapid, simple and accurate detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in people who are or have been infected by the virus that causes Covid-19. The new OSAtest-IgG/IgM is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay that can be used to diagnose PCR-negative patients and to conduct epidemiological studies to better understand the incidence and spread of the virus.
Within the framework of this collaboration, OSASEN is working on the development and production of a new lateral flow immunoassay based on the RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) of the SARS-CoV-2 spicular protein, generated and validated by CIC bioGUNE, and on the secondary monoclonal antibodies against human IgG and IgM that are also being developed by CIC bioGUNE.
The aim is to combine the highest level of scientific knowledge with the extensive experience of a biotechnology company to successfully launch a product developed and manufactured in the Basque Country that meets the highest standards of reliability, precision, quality and competitiveness.
This collaboration is part of a broader agreement reached between BIOLAN and CIC bioGUNE, both located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, in areas aimed at the diagnosis of diseases and other health applications that require the analysis of proteins and compounds for use in medicine.
CIC bioGUNE is a biomedical research organisation that develops cutting-edge research at the interface between structural, molecular and cellular biology, with a special focus on the study of the molecular basis of disease, to be used in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies. CIC bioGUNE is recognised as a “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence”, the highest recognition for centres of excellence in Spain.
The agreement signed by José María Mato, general director of CIC bioGUNE, and Asier Albizu, CEO of BIOLAN, will allow both entities to develop R&D projects, provide technological services, develop training activities, staff stays, co-direction of theses and use of each other’s equipment in each other’s facilities.
