GlycoSciences celebrate 11 years

From left: Prof. Peter Newell, Prof. Raymond Dwek, and Mr G. Kirk Raab

Oxford GlycoSciences (OGS), the University spin-out company founded in 1988, celebrated its eleventh anniversary on 2 December, with an event attended by the company's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and board members, together with members of the University including Professor Peter Newell, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Professor Raymond Dwek, Professor of the Glycobiology Institute, Mr John Clements, Director of Finance, and Ms Catherine Quinn, Director of the Research Services Office. Oxford GlycoSciences was set up to identify and analyse glycoproteins, and is based on research carried out by Professor Dwek. The company has become a world leader in Proteomics technology, as well as in pharmaceutical glycobiology, research, and development. The company continues to maintain strong links with the University and has provided significant levels of research support to the Department of Biochemistry in recent years. Examples of research collaborations between the company and the University include the `Proteome Programme', a three-year research programme with over £430,000 of funding from OGS. The research commenced in 1997 and aims to use proteome technology to establish links between genes, protein function, and disease, particularly arthritis and cancer. Other projects include the company's support to the Glycolipid Research Programme and the sponsorship of D.Phil. studentships within the Department of Biochemistry, as well as a grant for curiosity-driven research. The relationship between OGS and the University demonstrates how the establishment of a spin-off company can benefit the University, through its holding of company equity and the receipt of funding to support University-led research activities. The company gained admission to the Full List of the London Stock Exchange in April 1998, and trades under ticker symbol OGS.