MedImmune, the biologics arm of AstraZeneca, and the University of Sheffield, a research-led institution in the United Kingdom, have formed a five-year multi-project research collaboration in cell factory technology, the process by which living cells can be controlled and manipulated to make specific proteins.

MedImmune will provide funding to support University of Sheffield post-doctoral and doctoral research projects to address key challenges in cell engineering. The collaboration will seek to advance research, specifically in mammalian cell factories, and improve development and production of biologic medicines. In addition, the partnership will aim to further advance current screening-based strategies and improve current manufacturing processes by creating tools that could increase yield and improve predictability for engineered proteins, such as bispecific antibodies and other proteins.

The University of Sheffield has an Advanced Manufacturing Biomanufacturing Center in Sheffield, England. Researchers from MedImmune and the university will exchange research materials and move between sites and facilities and will work as an integrated team. A Joint Steering Committee comprised of equal members from both institutions will select the research projects and may choose to seek additional grant funding from other sources to generate further collaborative work.

Source: MedImmune