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The National Center of Biotechnology (Jordan)
- Biotechnology and IT lend themselves very well to virtual institutions as both do not include the transport of large volumes of material.
- In 2002, having reviewed a large number of applications and research reports in biological sciences, I noticed that many scientists in Jordan have experience in Monoclonal Antibodies (MCAs). These are reagents used extensively in medical and research labs.
- At the Higher Council for Science and Technology, we invited five scientists from various universities with representatives of commercial companies to a series of meetings. The result of the deliberations was that it might be commercially viable to form a company producing MCAs. A pre-feasibility study and an extensive one showed that it was so; with 10% of the local consumption and an equal amount of export, it should start to make money. A Private Shareholding Company now is in its final stages of formation with the HCST, the Center, some universities, the RSS, the main importer of MCAs, and the scientists as partners. It was officially registered and a company director and accountant appointed. The detailed list of equipment and supplies was prepared as well as detailed Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs). The director of the company has rented a 500m2 space in a commercial building near the RSS and is actively renovating to the specifications of the scientists.
- Having come across MCAs, we decided that the experience could possibly be extended to other biotechnology products. To carry out this task in a systematic way, the Higher Council for Science and Technology in Jordan voted in December 2003 to establish a Virtual Center for Biotechnology with a very limited number of employees and equipment, to explore the issue, help in obtaining national and international patents, and develop biotechnologically based companies whenever found economically feasible. As well as to stimulate scientific cooperation and the utilization of expensive equipment. As this task requires extensive face to face meetings, we decided to limit the Center's activities initially to Jordan and neighboring countries, and to be extended later to other Arab States.
- A brochure explaining the mission of the Center was developed and some 200 copies of it were distributed electronically and in hard copy, to scientists in the field. Over 100 scientists have filled the form and returned it. As forms are returned, the special practical expertise of the scientists are classified, so that when it is felt that we are close to critical mass required for a commercial enterprise, meetings will be arranged to explore the issue and find out whether an economically viable product can be made. Up to date we are involved in extensive discussions with four groups of scientists trying to identify economically feasible projects. Other possible projects are in the pipeline.
- Of these projects one applied for, and was refereed and given a small grant to enable the scientist to test the project. Three others are in the stage of formulating a proposal. Several patentable discoveries were identified and advice and help was provided for the scientists involved to help them patent.
- In addition the detailed results of our survey will be placed on a web site, currently being prepared to stimulate the interaction of scientists and shared use of expensive equipment. For expensive equipment in the country, we are trying to identify core laboratories willing to offer their services against fees thus saving a good deal of money. The Center will help upgrading of labs, the stimulation of R&D and provide short-term training for scientists to upgrade expertise wherever needed.
- The response of scientists in Syria and Lebanon has been very poor and more effort will have to be put in that direction. A visit to Damascus was undertaken to consult with the director of the Syrian biotechnology center who promised to cooperate. Several visits to Beirut distributing information about the Center through a lecture, private meetings and e-mail were undertaken. A meeting in Damascus for the Arab coordinators of biotechnology was attended September 5-7, 05.
- HRH Prince Hassan has appointed a board for the center and me as director. The official law for the center was approved by the Council of Ministers and approved by H.M. the King and published in the Official Gazette.
- Furniture and office equipment were bought for the center located in the Secretariat General of the HCST and a secretary and a driver appointed.
- We are at present involved in negotiations for cooperation with Helsinki University (which has an important centre for plant drugs and cosmetics), American University of Beirut and UNDP . Similar negotiations with ESCWA are developing very slowly. Preliminary discussions were held with representatives of the EU interested in financing biotechnology projects, five projects were applied for, reviewed and forwarded to the EU. Negotiations with the Trade Department USA interested in establishing an incubator for start-up companies in biotechnology in Jordan.
- Our long term plans are to make the Center self-sufficient through grants, and the income generated from patents or investments in projects which the center helps identify and support. We hope that this would be achieved within the next three years.
- As the danger of bird flue H5N1 increased in our country due to the season of bird migration, and due to the slowness of the routine in ordering the test reagents for this flue, we undertook to directly order those reagents. The reagents were all received within 10 days and were delivered to the expert in bird flue at JUST. It is now possible to test sick birds within a day. A report of suggestions on how to handle the problem was prepared with the Bird flue expert and forwarded to the Prime Minister and the Pertinent Ministers.
- To the staff of the center we should soon add an executive assistant who eventually would run the Center.
Usama al-Khalidi
Updated, Nov. 30, 2005
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