Oban-based GlycoMar and Glasgow-based Scottish Biomedical have signed the collaborative research deal with the Chinese company Asiapharm.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop, who is meeting Asiapharm representatives in Shandong Province, China, welcomed the announcement and said the collaboration shows that Scottish firms have the ablility to compete on a world stage. 

She said: “We are determined to drive forward sustainable economic growth for Scotland and China presents an enormous opportunity for us.  

"Stronger ties in education, science research, culture and business between the two countries will benefit us both. 

"Scotland is already a genuine centre of excellence for life sciences. Scotland's life sciences industry is one of the most vibrant in Europe – with around 600 organisations employing over 30,000 people. 

"By making links all the way from Oban to Shandong, this collaboration shows that Scottish firms have the ability to compete effectively on the world stage." 

GlycoMar has been developing products for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, while Scottish Biomedical drugs are being developed to treat debilitating psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. 

Stephen Hammond, founder and CEO of Scottish Biomedical said: 

"We are pleased to be working with Asiapharm in developing new more effective treatments for schizophrenia a debilitating disease that destroys the lives of millions of people throughout the world." 

Under the terms of the deal, Asiapharm will carry out trials and further development of the products. If successful, Asiapharm will licence these products for sale in the Chinese market.  

While Jason Grant from the Scottish Development International (SDI) Life Sciences team who hosted Asiapharm's visit to Scotland in August 2007 said:  

"We are delighted to see the fruits of Asiapharm's discussion with Scotland and look forward to supporting other Scottish companies to explore opportunities for collaboration with China's Life Sciences sector."