The AquaBioTech Group has signed a three year contract with a three year option for extension for clinical research with PHARMAQ AS, Norway. The two companies have already been collaborating for over a year, but this new agreement will see a significantly larger amount of scientific research and development work being undertaken in Malta. The clinical research focuses around the development and documentation of aquatic vaccines for fish grown in Mediterranean aquaculture, but the facility also offer research opportunities with other warm water species. Development of vaccines is a long-term commitment and this is reflected in the length of the agreement between the parties.

PHARMAQ AS choose the AquaBioTech Group to undertake the research as they offer one of the largest privately owned licenced aquatic research facility in the world and have developed unique, state-of-the-art recirculation aquaculture systems that also saw the company win the title of Country finalist for Innovation in the 2012/13 HSBC European Business Awards.

The new contract will see the AquaBioTech Group increase its own research infrastructure and staff so as to provide seven (7) dedicated research modules and laboratory facilities to PHARMAQ AS.

The AquaBioTech Group was established in Malta in 1998 and employs over twenty staff at its Malta facilities, as well as a number of personnel in other countries. Over the years the company has established itself as one of the leading aquatic consulting, development and research entities with clients and projects in over fifty-five countries.

PHARMAQ AS is the world’s leading producer of aquatic vaccines with over 500 million vaccine doses delivered in 2012. A Norwegian company that traces its history back to 1985, PHARMAQ has over 170 employees and offices in six countries.