Progen's distribution arm picks up new agencies

Brisbane-based biotech Progen Industries has been appointed exclusive Australian distributor for two product ranges used by lab researchers.

Progen will distribute Pierce and Endogen brands through its life sciences division, which distributes biological and chemical research products in Australia and New Zealand.

The agreeement should help finance the main thrust of Progen's business which is centered around R&D activity related to its lead anti-cancer drug candidate PI-88 now in clinical trials.

Progen's life sciences division forms part of its commercial services unit, which last financial year generated more than $2.4 million and has already posted a 46 per cent rise in revenues this year. The unit also contract-manufactures potential therapeutics and vaccines under Good Manufacturing Standards (GMP).

Pierce products are used by researchers in protein chemistry, immunology and molecular biology. Endogen is a major supplier of compounds related to the measurement of cytokines and chemokines (the chemical messengers of the immune system).