Fusion signs deal with leading Canadian biotech company

Enterprise Minister Maria Eagle has today welcomed a significant contract won by Dunmurry-based Fusion Antibodies from ARIUS Research Inc of Canada.

Fusion Antibodies, which develops innovative products for cancer research signed the deal with ARIUS Research Inc. one of Canada’s leading biotechnology businesses.

The Minister was present at the signing of the deal by Dr. Paul Kerr, Fusion’s Business Development Manager, and ARIUS in Toronto, as part of an Invest NI trade mission to Canada -

led by Minister Maria Eagle and Minister Michael Martin, the Republic of Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are providing an opportunity to highlight Irish industry on an all- Ireland basis.

Fusion will use their technology and expertise to provide engineering services for certain ARIUS antibodies.

Commenting on the announcement, Maria Eagle said: “The outstanding achievements of Fusion Antibodies and other biotech companies are helping to strengthen Northern Ireland’s international standing as a centre of excellence in life sciences.

“Our reputation in cancer research and in the development of innovative therapies is developing strongly from the pioneering work of our two universities and the world-class Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology in Belfast.

The Minister continued: “Fusion is among a developing cluster of internationally focused companies which are helping to convert leading-edge research into products and services that are contributing significantly to vitally important medical research and helping to transform Northern Ireland into the knowledge-led, innovation-driven and globally integrated economy.”

Dr Kerr added: “This is an immensely important strategic contract which gives us an opportunity to work alongside ARIUS, which has an extensive network of partners in biotechnology throughout North America, on the development of innovative therapies for many types of cancer.

“It strengthens our position and reputation in the US and Canada as a major source of expertise and products used in pioneering research projects being undertaken by companies such as ARIUS and leading research labs and as an integral part of the increasingly global drive against cancer.”

Fusion Antibodies has used Invest NI’s Technology and Development Centre in Boston, a facility that provides smaller high tech companies from Northern Ireland with advice and practical support to develop business in the US and Canada, to develop its exports to North America.

Fusion Antibodies is part of a delegation of 10 companies and representatives from Queen’s University’s School of Pharmacy taking part in the mission with around 30 firms from the Republic of Ireland.

(EF)