CEMB: Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology

Research scientists from Lahore University of Management Sciences Visit CEMB-PU to Explore Collaborative Opportunities

May 18, 2026---Prof. Muhammad Tariq and Prof.Amir Faisal from Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering SBASSE- LUMS, visited the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, for discussions on research and industrial collaboration opportunities.
Prof. Moazur Rahman, Director CEMB, warmly welcomed the visiting scientists and introduced them to CEMB faculty members and their ongoing research projects. During the visit, Prof. Muhammad Tariq (PI) and Prof. Amir Faisal (Co-PI) presented their startup company, Biotech Innovation Gateway (BIG), established under a Technology Development Fund (TDF) project. The company specializes in the development and production of high-quality polyclonal antibodies for research applications.
The visiting team shared that BIG has successfully produced around twenty highly characterized antibodies. Their Tubulin and GAPDH antibodies against housekeeping genes have been fully validated through western blotting and immunostaining and are now ready for commercial use. Other antibodies are currently in the characterization stage. The team highlighted that the antibodies exhibit very high titers and can be effectively used at dilutions up to 1:5000, making them highly cost-effective for research laboratories.
The visit also included detailed discussions on potential collaborative avenues between CEMB and BIG in the areas of biotechnology product development, diagnostics, and research support services. The delegation further toured the Agriculture biotech labs, Virology, Forensic research, Genetics and Genomics labs, Stem Cell Facility and Biopharma Facility at CEMB, where ongoing translational and industrial biotechnology initiatives were showcased.

🇵🇰 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐀 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐡 delegate, accompanied by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐨𝐚𝐳 (CEMB: Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, PU Lahore), visited UVAS and held a productive meeting with university leadership

https://globalnewspakistan.com/fm-health-terms-pak-china-10-mous-on-api-manufacturing/

FM Health Terms Pak-China 10 MoUs on API Manufacturing A high-level ceremony was held in Islamabad marking the signing of 10 strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Pakis...Read more

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal Supports CEMB-PU Biosimilar Filgrastim (Therapeutic Immunobooster) Technology Transfer to Pakistani Pharmaceutical Industry
May 12, 2026: The Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) announced a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s biopharmaceutical sector through the technology transfer of the recombinant therapeutic product Filgrastim to leading national pharmaceutical companies The Searle Company and Ferozsons Laboratories.
The initiative is being carried out under the leadership and support of Federal minister for National Health Services, Research and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Parliamentary Secretary Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, CEO DRAP Dr. Obaidullah, and Chairman Licensing DRAP Dr. Noor Muhammad.
CEMB expressed its gratitude to the Federal Ministry of National Health Services and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for their valuable support in facilitating the technology transfer process and promoting local biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in Pakistan.CEMB also acknowledges the support of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan for the development of the biosimilar product.
Filgrastim is an important therapeutic protein used as an immune booster in patients with depleted neutrophil counts, particularly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The drug helps stimulate white blood cell production and supports recovery of the immune system.
The announcement was made during an MoU signing ceremony held for API manufacturing and technology transfer, marking an important milestone toward enhancing indigenous production of advanced biologics in Pakistan.

Three-Day Scientific Activities of Prof. Fikrettin Şahin at CEMB-PU under COMSTECH Expert Service Programme
Prof. Fikrettin Şahin visited Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab from May 5–7, 2026 under the COMSTECH Expert Service Programme. Prof. Şahin is a distinguished scientist from Yeditepe University, Turkiye and a principal member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences, widely recognized for his contributions to translational biotechnology, biopharmaceutical innovation, and commercialization-oriented research. During the visit, Prof. Şahin received a detailed briefing from Director CEMB, Prof. Moazur Rahman, followed by visits to various research laboratories and interactive discussions with faculty members, researchers, and students regarding ongoing research projects, translational biotechnology, and future collaborative opportunities.
On May 6, Prof. Şahin delivered a comprehensive scientific lecture at CEMB-PU highlighting major completed and ongoing research projects as well as commercialization initiatives undertaken by his group at Yeditepe University, Turkiye. The lecture was attended by faculty members, researchers, and students and generated highly productive scientific discussions.
During his stay, Prof. Şahin also held multiple meetings with various research groups at CEMB, including the Stem Cell and Biopharmaceutical groups, to discuss prospective collaborative projects, scientific training opportunities, translational research, and cGMP-compliant facility development. He had one to one discussion with Plant Biotechnology, Genetic Diseases and Screening, Forensic Research, Virology and Infectious Diseases groups. He appreciated the scientific potential and research environment at CEMB and shared valuable technical and strategic recommendations for future development and international collaborations.
CEMB expresses sincere gratitude to COMSTECH, particularly Prof. M. Iqbal Choudhary, for facilitating and supporting this highly productive scientific visit.

Exploring Research Synergies: Prof. Dr. Fikrettin Şahin at CEMB-PU
May 5, 2026---The Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, hosted Prof. Dr. Fikrettin Şahin under the Foreign Expert Programme of COMSTECH. Prof. Şahin is Head of the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Yeditepe University.
Prof. Şahin is a distinguished academician and researcher in molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering, with significant contributions in biotechnology, cancer biology, stem cell research, and applied genomics. He is a principal member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences and has served on various advisory and policy boards for the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as well as the Ministry of Customs and Trade. His laboratory at Yeditepe University is recognized as a hub for innovation, actively collaborating with international institutions and private industries to translate laboratory findings into commercially viable biotechnological products.
During his visit, Prof. Şahin held detailed discussions with research group leads at CEMB to explore potential collaborative opportunities. Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman, Director CEMB, briefed him on the center’s ongoing research projects and strategic initiatives.
Prof. Şahin also visited various laboratories at CEMB, where he conducted an in-depth review of ongoing research activities. His tour included the Biopharmaceutical and Proteomics Lab, Stem Cell Lab, Genetic Diseases and Genetic Screening Group, and the Virology Lab.
The visit proved highly productive, featuring insightful scientific discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas. Prof. Şahin shared valuable perspectives and proposed new collaborative research directions aligned with ongoing work at CEMB.
This visit under the COMSTECH Foreign Expert Programme reflects a significant step toward strengthening international scientific collaboration and advancing research in genetics and molecular biology.