Technology and Basque Company join forces to respond to the priority imposed by the pandemic, and is part of a broader collaboration agreement reached between CIC bioGUNE and BIOLAN for the diagnosis of diseases and other applications for health.

BIOLAN, through OSASEN, its health division and CIC bioGUNE -member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance and BRTA- have started a collaboration that will allow the launch of a new serological test, the BIOtest-IgG/IgM, which allows the quick, easy and precise detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in people who are or have been infected by the virus that causes Covid-19. The new BIOtest-IgG/IgM is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay, which can be used for the diagnosis of PCR-negative patients and for epidemiological studies to better understand the incidence and spread of the virus.

In the framework of this collaboration, BIOLAN, is working on the development and production of a new lateral flow immunoassay, based on the RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) of the SARS-CoV-2 spicular protein, generated and validated by CIC bioGUNE, and on the secondary monoclonal antibodies against human IgG and IgM that CIC bioGUNE is also developing.

The aim is to combine top-level scientific knowledge with the extensive experience of a biotech company to successfully launch a product developed and manufactured in the Basque Country that meets all the highest standards of reliability, precision, quality and competitiveness.

This collaborative action is part of a wider agreement reached between BIOLAN and CIC bioGUNE, both located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, in areas aimed at the diagnosis of diseases and other health applications that require the analysis of proteins and compounds for use in medicine.

CIC bioGUNE is a biomedical research organisation that carries out cutting-edge research at the interface between structural, molecular and cellular biology, with special emphasis on the study of the molecular bases of disease, to be used in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies. CIC bioGUNE is recognised as a \”Severe Eight Centre of Excellence\”, the highest recognition of centres of excellence in Spain.

The agreement signed by José María Mato, CEO of CIC bioGUNE, and Asier Albizu, CEO of BIOLAN, will allow both entities to develop R&D&I projects, provide technological services, develop training activities, staff stays, co-direct theses and use the parties’ equipment at the other’s facilities.