Biotest AG, Frankfurt/Dreieich, Germany

Role and Contribution:

The role of the Biotest group within the consortium project is to design and develop a new system for blood group genotyping. The principle of the technique to be employed is a universal PCR amplification and detection system that simultaneously amplifies and detects any target DNA of interest in a closed reaction tube. The immunofluorescence technique, based on the well-known SSP principle, is rapid and allows PCR product quantification without the need to run gels. In close cooperation with the other participants, the reliability and efficiency of the new molecular DNA detection test for blood group genotyping is evaluated.

Institution:

Biotest AG is a worldwide operating biotechnology company, which, over a period of 50 years, has acquired considerable expertise in the development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical and medical diagnostic products as well as environmental monitoring and hygiene control systems. The efforts of the research and development groups of the diagnostic department are focused on new products for immunohematology / blood transfusion and transplantation medicine. The internal R&D activities are supplemented by cooperation with international partners of high competence and reputation.

Principle staff involved:

Dr. Gabriele Schmitz, biologist, is supervisor of the group Molecular Biology 2 and has been working for Biotest for more than 7 years, the first 5 years in the production department, and the following 2 years in the R&D group. She is responsible for the development of DNA-based HLA test systems and experienced in design control and project management. Together with her co-workers and the colleagues involved - her main task is to push forward the development of the new blood group genotyping system. Within the BloodGen project she is named as the authorized contact person.

Dr. Bodo Holtkamp, biologist, is Director of the Department R&D Diagnostics and an expert in modern immunological test methods, such as recombinant antibodies or DNA detection. He is the scientific person in charge of the project.

Dr. Manfred Ernst, biologist, Head of the group R&D Transfusion medicine, is experienced in monoclonal antibody production and modern blood grouping methods.

Dr. Rolf Vornhagen is the Managing Director, Technical Division Biotest Diagnostics. He is very competent in the development of modern biological and recombinant test assays as a result of having worked long-term in the Biotest R&D department. In the BloodGen project he acts as the authorized administrative official. In addition, he is a university lecturer, University of Frankfurt.

The scientists mentioned are internationally recognised experts in the field of molecular diagnostics and biotechnology who have the competence to ensure the professional completion of this EU project. The assistance of well-trained and experienced technicians is an additional guarantee for the successful outcome.