On Mar. 26, 2020, iBio announced that it had entered into a development agreement with AzarGen Biotechnologies. Signed in 2018, the agreement contemplates initial contract development and manufacturing of AzarGen’s biosimilars at iBio’s Bryan, Texas facility.

Ultimately, iBio planned to transfer its proprietary FastPharming Manufacturing System to AzarGen in South Africa for production of critical biological medicines for the African continent.

AzarGen is a biotechnology company focused on developing human therapeutic proteins using advanced genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques in plants. The company’s lead therapeutic candidates are: a biosimilar version of an anti-cancer monoclonal antibody and a recombinant human surfactant protein targeted for various respiratory disease conditions.

AzarGen has developed proprietary synthetic DNA promoters for various expression platform applications in plant-made pharmaceuticals, synthetic biology and GM-crop improvement. The AzarGen management team is supported by an experienced advisory board for strategic guidance and intellectual property management.

Based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, AzarGen is supported by South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).