Successful Round Financing for Profos AG
Established in 2000, the Profos AG developed out of the University of Regensburg, with 22 employees it is located in the BioPark Regensburg. The Profos AG operates in the field of bacteriophage-technology, developing and producing successful testing systems for diagnostics.
Bacteriophage (from the Greek, phagos = eater) are bacterial viruses. These natural enemies of bacteria that can be found virtually anywhere and in many variations are harmless for human beings. Since their discovery in 1915/1917 they have been used to combat bacteria as an alternative to antibiotics. The Profos AG makes use of these for the quick, highly sensitive and inexpensive isolation of bacteria in test systems as well as in the combating of bacteria. The Profos AG finds, isolates and modifies specific bacteriophages for targeted use. Current uses include e.g. diagnostics, medical research and microbiological diagnostics within the food industry; to ensure safety. In addition the bacteriophages are used for environmental experiments. Faster, safer tests reduce costs and increase reliability.
A second area of use results from the highly specialized capacity of bacteriophages in the clean up of specific areas in the pharmaceutical industry. Nowadays, several raw materials for medicine are produced by fermentation with bacteria. With the help of bacteriophage-technology Profos AG’s product is able to provide near loss-free clean up while removing bacterial endotoxine (cell poisons). The cost savings and increased product safety are of major significance in this fast growing market.
It was this platform technology that convinced Danisco Venture to invest several million euro. The Profos AG sealed an agreement of a minority investment in conjunction with an investment on part of Danisco Venture. Furthermore, several patent rights were awarded to Profos company for the continued development of technology. The new partnership allows the company to more aggressively pursue the current developments and well as to fortify and expand itself; this is an important milestone for a growing company.
Danisco Venture is part of the, internationally active and stock market listed Danish enterprise Danisco A/S, located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Danisco A/S, one of the worldwide largest producers of ingredients for the food and livestock feed industry, employs about 8,000 and recently had a total turnover of 2.23 billion euro in 40 countries. Danisco Venture was specifically created for investment in external business concepts and foundations in order to consistently guarantee a flow of the newest technology into the enterprise. The total volume of Danisco Venture funds amounted at the latest stage 67.3 million euro.
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