How BioTech Africa Found Success In Protein Synthesis. Driven by the global need for improved in vitro diagnostics, BioTech Africa’s range of highly purified recombinant proteins is used in the manufacture of diagnostic test kits for point-of-care rapid diagnostics and in research institutions. The company offers a variety of protein expression platforms, including bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells, along with a host of other protein services, including protein refolding and structural biology analysis. With its proprietary technology, it is able to deliver highly stable and functionally active recombinant proteins. BioTech Africa’s mission is to eradicate disease through early and innovative diagnostics.
The company offers proprietary technology, facilitating the delivery of recombinant proteins in native functional conformations, customised protein design and delivery services, local & international customer base (testimonials), end-user support – assistance with applications including assay design, optimisation and protein conjugation. It aims to achieve maximum recombinant protein production by optimisation of fermentation processes. Its experience with various high-producing cell lines, cell culture growth conditions, media formulations, methods of protein extraction and enrichment enables it to develop the most optimal production process for protein of interest.
The company’s array of fermentation systems and bioreactors allow fully flexible scale-up protein production, aggressive delivery timescales and very competitive pricing. With a comprehensive support service to assist customers when they use their products, the company can save customers time and money by accelerating the assay feasibility and development cycle.
According to BioTech Africa, both internal and independent evaluations have shown that the company’s proteins out-perform those of leading manufactures. Even though it enjoys much success now, the company struggled to gain recogn9itioon and investors as the Biotechnology industry is not big in South Africa as it is very expensive to sustain.
“In South Africa, biotechnology is a relatively unknown market—especially among venture capitalists. Unlike chemistry, which demonstrated more interest among investors, biotechnology requires synthesis of products through living organisms—an extremely meticulous process requiring massive funding with minimal success rates. Even without the consideration of a start-up, the majority of biotech products barely make it past phase III clinical trials.” said Jason Lurie, the CEO of BioTech Africa in an interview with PharmaBoardroom.
