Biotech firms strike partnership to strengthen R&D in metabolomics

Biotech players OWL and BIOSFER have entered into a strategic partnership with a view to strengthening R&D in developing diagnosis methods and personalised medicine using metabolomics. 

The contract allows both parties to identify opportunities, generate specific proposals and find the most appropriate funding to ensure the success of these projects and make them beneficial both for society and for the biotechnology industry. 

Both OWL and BIOSFER have extensive experience in metabolomic technology for application in a range of areas: developing new biomarkers for the creation of diagnostic products or promoting innovative platforms for studies and clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Pablo Ortiz, CSO of OWL, said: “Our shared aim is to promote the use of metabolomic technology in the research and development of appropriate tools to support the diagnosis and treatment of different conditions.”

The companies will work together on the identification of strategic research and development projects using the platforms provided by at least one of the parties, and the human and technical resources necessary for carrying them out.

In the case of OWL, the Basque biotechnology firm will contribute its know-how in the creation of non-invasive diagnosis techniques for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which complements the Catalan company Biosfer Teslab’s experience in cardiometabolic health.  

Ortiz added: “The results that we can achieve through this partnership can be brought together in the shape of a new clinical diagnosis tool, but it may also lead to a solution for value-added applications such as services for R&D activities, studies and clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry, research centres, CROs or other similar organisations.”

The agreement, which will remain in force as long as the partnership has projects underway, is part of OWL’s strategic collaborations with research centres such as CIC bioGUNE or BioDonostia and private businesses.