​Duke-NUS Medical School’s novel research tools and antibodies will soon be available to researchers around the world through a new collaboration between the School’s Centre for Technology and Development (CTeD) and Ximbio. Ximbio is the research tools trading arm of Cancer Research Technology UK and the world's largest non-profit organisation dedicated to life science research tools.

As the first medical school in Singapore to partner with Ximbio, Duke-NUS joins a group of prestigious universities and institutions from around the world. Under the collaboration, researchers at Duke-NUS can deposit their research tools including cell lines, antibodies and mouse models with Ximbio, making the research tools available to a wider, global audience.

With signature research programmes supporting critical areas of public health in Singapore, Duke-NUS has developed high-impact research tools in areas such as Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders and Emerging Infectious Diseases. These include zebrafish and mouse models of disease, bioengineered cells enabling the study of specific cell signalling pathways as well as a variety of antibodies and plasmids for manipulating and studying bioactive molecules in the body. 

Associate Professor Chris Laing, Senior Associate Dean for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Duke-NUS, said, “The process of discovery and development of new products often involves innovating in the creation of exciting new research tools. Our partnership with Ximbio will help us share these tools with researchers in both academia and industry around the world, pushing the envelope in life sciences.”

The partnership will make it easier for life science research tool companies and public sector researchers across the world to source new products to augment their portfolios. Scientists can also use Ximbio’s searchable database, extensive datasheets and supplier options to look for specific research tools.

Mr David Wang, Director of CTeD, added, “I am pleased to see that all the hard work from both sides has borne fruit in sealing this partnership. CTeD is committed to nurturing innovative discoveries towards commercial applications and this collaboration with Ximbio is one example of how we can bring our discovery science to benefit a larger group of scientists faster, further shrinking the gap between academia and industry.”

“We are excited to partner with Duke-NUS - our first collaboration with a medical school in Singapore. Ximbio is passionate about making life science research tools easily accessible to researchers worldwide. We look forward to working closely with Duke-NUS to increase their impact and to accelerate life science research globally,” said Mr Bob Bondaryk, Global Head of Ximbio.