Antibodies made in Sheffield look set to be used in research throughout the world - thanks to a new Sheffield Hallam University spin-out company, SI Biologics, being set up by researcher David Parkinson.

David's background is in neuroscience research and he has been successfully creating and selling antibodies to other research institutes and pharmaceutical companies for many years - but he is now set to take that further by setting up a separate venture to really maximise the potential of these tiny but essential proteins. David will be continuing with his research and teaching, meaning that customers will be able to benefit from up to date, specialist knowledge and advice.

'Antibodies are most commonly thought of as defences created by the human body to help us combat disease,' said David. 'However, it is possible to manufacture them to play a major role in all kinds of research.

'In particular, they can have a vital role in research into neurobiology, neurodegeneration and cancer by attaching themselves to proteins, which would otherwise be invisible, and revealing information about that protein - for example its location and quantity. This then can be used in other areas of research and analysis and, ultimately, in helping to develop treatments.'

The new business, backed by funding from South Yorkshire Investment Fund, has been established with the full support of Sheffield Hallam University, a further example of how the University encourages innovation and enterprise amongst its staff.

SI Biologics will develop and distribute antibodies for use in medical research, for example in analysing memory mechanisms in neurobiology, or in support of research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

David has already set up the business in one of the Sheffield Bioincubator units in the city, and the company will not only sell existing antibodies on the University's behalf, but will also develop a whole range of new ones - aimed at university research departments, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. He will also be licensing and selling antibodies developed by other universities.

David's first job is to set up an effective marketing capacity - antibodies are normally sold online and any scientist searching for exactly the right antibody to make their research a success will be surfing the web to find it - so an effective online presence is a must from day one.

To find out more about SI Biologics, please contact David Parkinson on 0114 222 7447 or e-mail dparks@sibiologics.co.uk