Danisco Venture invests in Profos AG

04-Sep-2003

Regensburg, Germany - Profos AG and Danisco Venture announced that they have agreed to an equity financing of several million euros, of which some are subject to milestones being met. Certain patent rights, which Danisco Venture has secured from third parties, have also been transferred to Profos in order to further strengthen Profos´ technology base. Profos is a leading company within the area of bacteriophages and bacteriophage proteins. A bacteriophage is a virus that identifies, attacks and spoils bacteria. Profos´ technology can therefore be applied in rapid diagnostics products to detect harmful bacteria, in bioseparation for protein purification and Removal of bacterial residues (endotoxin), and in the development of antimicrobial agents against harmful bacteria. The products will be used in the food, feed, water and pharmaceutical industries. Profos is today selling a number of products used in the pharmaceutical industry, including ColTrap® (protein purification) and EndoTrap (endotoxin removal). Additionally, Profos will within the next year complete the development of rapid food and feed diagnostic products. Thomas Zander, CEO and co-founder of Profos: ´The funding will secure the growth of the company for the next years and will support accelerated development of own and collaborative products. With our fortified patent portfolio we extend our strong position in the field of bacteriophage protein technology.´ Lars Dybkjær, Investment Director, Danisco Venture: ´We believe that Profos is addressing high growth market segments with its unique bacteriophage technology. This combined with the strong team behind Profos, makes us confident that this is a good investment´. Anders Wilhjelm, Vice President, Danisco Venture: ´Profos is the first company Danisco Venture has invested in, which is developing rapid diagnostic products for the food and feed industry. The investment is in line with Danisco A/S´ increased focus on food safety. We believe rapid diagnostics is one of several ways in which Danisco´s customers, the food and feed industry, can ensure their products are not only healthy and tasty, but also safe. According to WHO, around 30% of the population of industrialised countries suffers from a food borne illness every year. This underlines the need for a stronger focus on food safety´.

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