About Us
Protein purification and bioconjugation services are our business. We are noted for expertise in mixed-mode protein chromatography and conjugate vaccines.
Here is what we offer. For more detail, see Protein Services.
- Protein Purification Process Development. We specialize in developing protein purification/downstream processing protocols for laboratory-scale and process scale-up. We help companies move from discovery through phase I clinical trials.
- Bioconjugation chemically links molecules to enhance their biological usefulness. We provide consulting and laboratory bioconjugation services, including bioconjugations for vaccines, immunogens, and diagnostic reagents.
- Conjugate Vaccines. We have decades of experience in conjugate vaccines and proprietary chemistry for preparing carbohydrate conjugate vaccines.
- And More. Through affiliates, we offer protein expression optimization and fermentation services, immunoassay and hybridoma development, and vaccine testing. Our partners include the University of Maryland BioProcessing Scale-up Facility (BSF) (up to 200 L), and Antibody and Immunoassay Consultants, LLC.
About Andrew Lees, Scientific Director
Andrew Lees, Ph.D., scientific director and founder of Fina Biosolutions, is recognized for his work in the field of protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. Chemistry he developed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8920699; www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10649629) underlie GlaxoSmithKline’s new generation of pediatric conjugate vaccines, including Menhibrix, Nimenrix Menitorix, for meningococcal disease, and Synflorix, for S. pneumonia. Currently, Fina BioSolutions is co-developing conjugate vaccines with the Serum Institute of India, with the goal of producing affordable vaccines for the developing world.
Dr. Lees is is a frequent speaker on mixed-mode chromatography. Since 1998 he has taught protein chromatography courses from high school through the post graduate level.
Dr. Lees is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and is an affiliate at the University of Maryland Bioprocessing Scale-Up Facility. He holds 15 patents and is the author or co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed papers. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the Johns Hopkins University.
On his own time Andy indulges a passion for bicycling and entertains with magic. He has been a professional magician and now uses his tricky past to liven his seminars and lectures.