The Hindu Business Line : ABL Biotechnologies to set up facility at Ticel Biopark

The city-based research and development company in marine microbial products for therapeutic and nutrition application, ABL Biotechnologies Ltd, is setting up a Rs 25-crore research facility at the Ticel Biopark, according to its Chairman and Managing Director, Mr K.O. Isaac.

The 10,000-sq. ft facility to be formally inaugurated next week will focus on research and development of products from marine microbial organisms for application in nutrition, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Ticel Biopark is a modern infrastructure facility for biotechnology companies.

At a press conference on Thursday, Mr Isaac said that the investments would be from the promoters, through additional equity, and support from the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Biotechnology.

ABL Biotechnologies has a marine microbe culture collection of more than 1,300 strains, which are its raw material for identifying and developing new products. The company has also extended itself into a product development and manufacturing company based on its in-house research and development.

The company is in the process of setting up commercial facilities for producing fluorescent pigment used in the diagnosis and anti-cancer application from marine cyanobacteria, Phormidium.

It is also looking at making DHA, an Omega 3 fatty acid, from a fungus, Schizochitrium. These are to come up adjacent to its existing facility at Tiruchendur where it makes beta-carotenes from marine algae Dunaliella salina, Mr Isaac said.

ABL Biotechnologies, through its division, Spectrum, holds over 480 drug licences to manufacture products for over 120 pharmaceutical companies in India and rest of Asia. Through another division, Invia, ABL has developed 24 therapeutic products for diabetes and cardiology.

Another division Sanctum Nutrition will introduce a range of health food products later this year. These are convenience foods with enhanced nutrition value. These products are in the markets in West Asia, Europe and Asia. Soon they will be in India, he said.

More Stories on : New Projects | Bio-tech & Genetics | Research & Development

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