Queen’s University Belfast and Fusion Antibodies, a leading antibody discovery and development company have launched a fourth collaboration through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

The new project will allow for the development of an innovative software solution for the design of antibody libraries. The solution will be integrated into the service offering provided by Fusion Antibodies in antibody engineering, to transform capabilities and competitiveness in the antibody discovery space.

Through the KTP programme, the partnership has recruited software graduate, Ngozi Okereke, to work in Fusion Antibodies on this collaborative project over an 18-month period.

Queen’s University has partnered with businesses through the KTP initiative for over 25 years, and in May 2019 was the winner of the National Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution from a KTP Support Team’.

Lorraine Marks, Head of KTP and Business Engagement Programmes at Queen’s University said: “I am delighted that Fusion Antibodies are continuing their commitment to the KTP programme and Queen’s University. Their commitment to helping biotech companies deliver treatments for previously unmet medical needs offers graduates an opportunity to learn from both academic and industry experts.

“KTP sets them on the path to become future industry leaders, bringing to life the strategic plans of an innovative company such as Fusion Antibodies.” 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a UK-wide programme that has been helping businesses in the UK to innovate and grow for over 40 years. KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP Programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), Knowledge Bases and Businesses.

Paul Kerr, CEO of Fusion Antibodies said: “We are delighted to partner with Queen’s University through their Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme.  We have worked with Queen’s on multiple KTPs that have provided us with extraordinary talent and resources. Linking with the brightest minds in academia allows us to add another dimension to the knowledge-based service that we offer in the early stages of antibody discovery and development.”sc

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