JAPANESE FIRM GAINS HEMATECH

Tokyo-based Kirin Brewery Co. Ltd. announced Monday the acquisition of substantially all of Hematech LLC. Hematech, which has a laboratory in Sioux Falls, is a biotech vaccine company. It is working to produce bovine-derived human polyclonal antibodies that should help produce human antibody-based drugs. Kirin and Hematech entered into a research collaboration agreement in 1999. Through the recent acquisition, Kirin will hold Hematech's rights primarily related to polyclonal antibody production along with development and marketing rights they already hold.

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