KENUP-FOUNDATION
18.12.2020 15:00:16 CET | Business Wire | Press release
African reagent manufacturing for rapid testing kits and treatment for COVID-19 and other endemic diseases will be transformed by construction of a new Cape Biologix Technologies facility in Mauritius.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201218005388/en/
This will enable the company to scale up innovative plant-based manufacturing and to commercialise the successful development of plant based recombinant proteins and in particular, antibodies as a spin-off from the University of Cape Town. The manufacturing facility aims to ensure the supply of crucial reagents for the production of 100 million vaccines a month for distribution across Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific.
Initiated by kENUP Foundation, new financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics) for the EUR 47.5 million project was formally agreed earlier today. The EIB will provide EUR 33.3 million for the specialist manufacturing plant in Mauritius. This has been complemented by EUR 3.2 million provided by FIND that is being used to fund the rapid scale-up of the pilot phase production in Cape Town, South Africa.
“Scaling up medical innovation and specialist manufacturing is crucial to control COVID-19 and combat other diseases that can be treated, but where treatment remains a limited privilege. EIB is pleased to provide EUR 33.3 million to support Cape Biologix to expand pharmaceutical production, create jobs and increase access to affordable disease testing and treatment across Africa and around the world by increasing the affordability of key proteins. This new investment is bringing world class research from laboratories in Cape Town to improve the lives of millions of people. As part of Team Europe, the EIB is committed to working together with global partners to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and improve public health in the years ahead.” said Ambroise Fayolle, EIB Vice President.
“Local innovation and manufacturing are critical to ensuring that quality tests can reach all who need them. We are very happy to build on our longstanding relationships in South Africa to work together on this transformative project with Cape Bio, in partnership with the EIB, translating exciting research into tangible products that will benefit everyone in the region. Building local capacity is not only needed today for COVID-19, but will also improve South Africa’s preparedness to respond to future threats.” said Dr Catharina Boehme, CEO of FIND.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201218005388/en/
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
EVE Energy Strengthens European Operations Through Compliance, Local Manufacturing, and Regional Services2.7.2026 08:30:00 CEST | Press release
The Smarter E Europe 2026 opened in Munich on June 23 and runs through June 25, gathering global players from the clean energy sector on one of Europe’s most influential trade exhibition platforms. EVE Energy unveiled its Mr. Big Family series, a 6.9+ MWh energy storage system, all-scenario storage solutions, and high-performance EV batteries — showcasing its lithium-sodium dual-technology platform, full product portfolio, and localized European operational layout. During the exhibition, European clients showed strong interest in the company’s product performance and placed strong emphasis on sustained adherence to the EU’s evolving regulatory standards. This industry attitude further underscores that regulatory compliance readiness has become a fundamental prerequisite for accessing the European clean energy market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260701651416/en/ The BMW iX3 displayed at the EVE Energy booth
Braun Launches the Next Generation of Electric Shaver With Braun NEVO Introducing a New Dawn of Smooth Touch2.7.2026 08:00:00 CEST | Press release
With over 100 years of exceptional German craftsmanship, Braun introduces Braun NEVO, an electric shaver redefining what a close shave and smooth skin mean. Every element has been reimagined: the sleek unibody stainless steel handle, the revolutionary AeroTouch™ Technology and advanced personalized display deliver a perfectly close shave without sacrificing comfort. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260701842080/en/ Braun NEVO Shaver Oliver Grabes, Braun Head of Design, said: “At Braun, we set out to reimagine the shaving experience which led to the development of AeroTouch™ Shaving Technology, a cutting system engineered for ultra-low friction on the skin and high efficiency. This makes Braun NEVO our best shaver* setting a new standard for smooth skin.” Introducing the revolutionary world’s first AeroTouch™ Technology, featuring 250 diamond-sharp cutting edges and an exclusive Ultra gliding foil for a smooth g
Brenus Pharma Strengthens Its Governance With Designation of a New President and Appointment of Former Novo Nordisk EVP as Independent Member2.7.2026 08:00:00 CEST | Press release
Brenus Pharma, today announced key appointments to its board of directors. The company welcomes Eric DESSERTENNE, as President & Chairman of the board, succeeding co-founder Jacques GARDETTE, who will remain an active board member. Eric brings extensive experience in healthcare innovation and value creation, having notably led BIOCORP through its development and acquisition by Novo Nordisk. Brenus also appoints Camilla SYLVEST, as a second independent director, following the earlier addition of Diala EZZEDDINE a seasoned US-based biotech executive and entrepreneur. Camilla SYLVEST is an experienced pharmaceutical executive and global business leader, having spent nearly three decades at Novo Nordisk A/S, where she most recently served as Executive Vice President for Global Commercial Strategy, Corporate Communication and Sustainability. She currently serves on the Boards of Argenx SE, Getinge AB, and Zealand Pharma A/S, and has previously served on the Board of Danish Crown A/S and as
Access Advance and Alibaba Announce Alibaba's Expanded Participation in the VDP Pool2.7.2026 02:00:00 CEST | Press release
Access Advance LLC and Alibaba Group today announced that Alibaba has joined the Access Advance Video Distribution Patent Pool (VDP Pool) as a Licensee, securing a license to the pool's comprehensive coverage of HEVC, VVC, VP9, and AV1 codec technologies. The announcement marks a milestone in a multi-year collaboration between the two companies that spans the VVC Advance Patent Pool, where Alibaba participates as both a Licensor and Licensee, and the VDP Pool, where Alibaba joined as a Licensor in 2025. Alibaba's subsidiary Youku, one of China's leading streaming platforms, also joined the VDP Pool as a Licensee in 2025. Alibaba operates one of the world's most diverse video ecosystems, spanning a wide range of video-based services across e-commerce, entertainment, and digital media. As video has become central to how consumers shop, communicate, and access entertainment, the breadth of Alibaba's video operations reflects the kind of business model complexity the VDP Pool was designed
Vertex Announces US FDA Approval for Expanded Use of CASGEVY® for the Treatment of People Ages 2 Years and Older With Sickle Cell Disease or Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia2.7.2026 01:58:00 CEST | Press release
- First and only approved genetic therapy to treat children as young as 2 years for both severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia -- Approximately 5,500 additional children in the U.S. are now eligible for this established one-time therapy, expanding upon the prior FDA approval in people 12 years and older -- Regulatory review for label expansion underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved expanded use of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel) for the treatment of people ages 2 years and older with either sickle cell disease (SCD) with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) or transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT). CASGEVY is the first approved genetic therapy indicated for children as young as 2 years for both SCD and TDT. “Just as we redefined what is possible in cystic fibrosis, our ambition is to transform
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom