X-PROT collaborative project emerged as Portugal’s winner in the regional program for innovative actions.
Bluepharma, in partnership with the University of Coimbra’s Centre for Neurosciences and Cellular Biology and the Association for Biomedical Research and Innovation on Light and Image (AIBILI) received the prestigious award, one of only nine awarded by the European Commission at the European Regional Innovation Awards ceremony held in Brussels in April, 2004. More than 700 projects are funded in 139 regional programs. Bluepharma was represented by Professor Sergio Simoes, Head of Bluepharma’s R&D unit (pictured).
X-PROT is a molecular biotechnology development project comprising a R&D unit for the production of recombinant proteins of interest to human health. The project has already produced a number of recombinant proteins with a high therapeutic or diagnostic potential and these are undergoing patent registration.
This EC award is a triumph for Bluepharma’s collaboration strategy to develop and improve its partnerships with the scientific community and strengthen its R&D effort. In July 2001, Bluepharma signed a deal with the University of Coimbra to deliver high quality services in life science and technology, including analytical development.
Bluepharma also sponsors annual publication of a doctoral degree thesis in life science for investigators and lecturers at the University. In July 2003, Bluepharma instituted an annual merit award for a PhD Thesis in health science presented to Portuguese Universities.
R&D is among Bluepharma’s main priorities: 2.1 million euros will be invested from 2003 to 2006 in this activity, representing 14 % of the company’s budget and 10 % of its human resources.
Bluepharma, based in Coimbra, is an exclusively Portuguese capitalised pharmaceutical company.
Further information about Bluepharma.
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About AIBILI
AIBILI, the Association for Biomedical Research and Innovation on Light and Image, is a contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to the healthcare sector. AIBILI is based in Coimbra, Portugal.
ABILI services overall product development from initial experimental studies to final clinical randomized trials. AIBILI is a private and non-profit organization providing an academia-industry interface to transfer basic research into medical practice and the health market.
As a contract research organization (CRO), AIBILI specialises in Phase I, II, III and IV clinical trials on medicines and medical devices, following Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Guidelines, for which it is certified. AIBILI has extensive experience in International multicentre randomized clinical trials including their design, methodological studies and monitoring, particularly in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and evaluation of eye surgery.
Keywords : Bluepharma University of Coimbra Association for Biomedical Research in Light and Image AIBILI European Commission EC Award Regional Innovation X-PROT Molecular biotechnology Life Science Recombinant therapeutic proteins
