Enantis, a biotechnology company working in the field of protein engineering and enzyme technologies, was founded in 2006 as the first biotech spin-off of the Masaryk University in Brno (Czech Republic). The company has proprietary protein stabilization technology which is proving to be a significant platform for launching innovative product lines addressing a global societal and economic trends. Following this ambition, Enantis has identified stabilization of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), their industrial production and commercialization as one of high priority areas with good business opportunities. FGFSTAB project bridges the gap between Enantis's knowledge and expertise on protein engineering and the practical application of stable FGFs. FGFs are fundamental in the processes of proliferation and differentiation of wide variety of cells and tissues. Various FGFs are currently being tested therapeutically for use in cancer treatment, regenerative medicine, and a number of age-related disorders, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Effects important for cosmetic applications includes rejuvenation of the epidermal cells and the underlying fibroblast cells, production of collagen, and hair growth support. FGF2 is an essential component of media for human pluripotent stem cells cultivation. However, the practical applications of FGF proteins are severely limited by the fact that natural proteins have intrinsically poor thermal stability. The objectives of FGFSTAB project are to use Enantis's proprietary protein stabilization technology to increase FGF stability under various stress conditions and to develop a process for producing stable FGFs at a large scale and low cost.
