May 1, 2007: PWG Genetics Korea (PWG) was formed in July 2001 as a bio-venture between US-based Prestige Premium Products and independent scientists. The company has its specific pathogen free (SPF) breeding colony and a research and development facility in the state of Kyoungki-Do in Korea, from where it produces and supplies SPF Micro-pigs for research on various diseases. BioSpectrum speaks to Mr Michael J Kim, CEO of PWG on the scope of animal research and the issues related to it. Some excerpts:

 

PWG focuses on R&D activities targeting artificial organs to treat incurable diseases using cutting-edge genetics technology. It produces and supplies SPF (Specific Pathogen-free) Micro-pigs for research on various diseases.

 

The company also provides CRO (contract research organization) services under GLP environment and develops various models of Micro-pigs for different types of research.

One of our main biomedical products is for the treatment of islet cells for diabetes patient. This treatment is designed to solve the problem of shortage of organ donors, PWG Islet Cells are pancreatic islet cells extracted from pathogen-free Micro-pigs for xenotransplant into the human body. We are also developing the treatment for regenerating tissues and transgenic animal disease models for medical research.

 

With biomedical and biotechnology research taking prominence in many countries worldwide, there will be an increasing market demand for animal-based research.

There are more demands on research activity and supports in the field of bio-organ using SPF porcine. The most dedicated area is tissue engineering including liver and islet cell.

Animal-based research is critical to the development of modern medicine and medical advancement. Drugs, vaccines and medical devices are developed and tested using animal-based research. According to the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, biotechnology companies have depended on animal research to develop more than 160 drugs and vaccines approved by FDA, helping 325 million people worldwide and preventing incalculable human suffering.

 

Pigs are more acceptable as animal models for research whilst dogs are seen as human companions and non-human primates are on the list of endangered species. We are compliant to the guidelines on the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (AAALAC standards) and in Singapore, we adhere with the Singapore NACLAR guidelines.

 

In short, we look after the welfare of our animals in accordance and compliance with the world recognized standards to ensure that their well-being is being taken care of. We do have internal company compliance committee such as IACUC in order to make sure that animals are to be used for a right purpose and method at any time.

 

PWG has constantly collaborated with organizations in the area of research and development.  We have signed an MOU with MD Anderson Cancer Centre to co-develop a Micro-pig cancer model. Through this agreement, PWG will produce cloned Micro-pig after receiving cell tissue from the Anderson Cancer Centre. The latter will use this cloned Micro-pig for developing cancer treatments and tumour studies. PWG and Anderson Cancer Centre will also co-develop a number of swine cancer cell lines that will be made available to cancer researchers worldwide to help in the study of various types of common cancers.

 

PWG has also signed an MOU with the National Swine Research and Resource Center (NSRRC), which is funded by National Institute of Health, USA and RADIL LLC, the business arm of The University of Missouri Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (RADIL), Columbia, Missouri, USA. Under the MOU, PWG will register and provide Micro-pigs to NSRRC as a background strain for transgenic/knockout pigs and to co-develop disease model Micro-Pigs using gene modification technology.

Through these partnerships, we are not only able to create more business opportunities for PWG, we are also able to raise its profile as the leader of SPF Laboratory Animal Industry.

 

Apart from Korea and Singapore, China and India are actively promoting their biomedical and biotechnological research, which will create a high demand for our products and services.

 

In the United States, we are in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Centre to co-develop a Micro-pig cancer model.  We have also signed an MOU with the National Swine Research and Resource Center (NSRRC) which is funded by National Institute of Health, USA and RADIL LLC, the business arm of The University of Missouri Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (RADIL) Columbia, Missouri, to register and provide Micro-pigs to NSRRC as a background strain for transgenic/knockout pigs and to co-develop disease model Micro-Pigs using gene modification technology. We are also appointed by RADIL as their collection center in Asia for their animal diagnostic laboratory.

In Asia, we are currently in discussion with some organizations for collaboration and partnership opportunities.

 

On the whole, we are striving to be the undisputed bio-industry leader by contributing to the welfare of human mankind through producing excellent products and cutting edge technologies. Our vision is to be a “Life Aid Solution Provider”. We envision a healthy and life conscious society where everyone lives happily.

Operationally, we plan to obtain AAALAC accreditation for our facility in Korea this year.  We intend to have a full facility comprising a breeding facility, surgical and laboratory facility in Singapore by the end of this year. We hope to publicly list the PWG Genetics Pte Ltd in the stock exchange either in Singapore and/or NASDAQ within the next five years.

We are keen to work with reputable partners who can provide value-add to our products and services so that both partners are able to grow and benefit from such a partnership. In short, we would like to work with partners who can create a win-win situation for both parties.

We will continue to intensify our R&D activities, providing transgenic Micro-pigs that have the same physiological structure as humans, cloning technology, stem cells and cell treatment as well as on artificial organs to help treat those suffering from incurable diseases.

We share our technologies with research institutions and researches worldwide, and cooperate with them in the area of biomedical and biotechnological research.