Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and Chungnam National University today announced an agreement to develop new applications, methods, technologies and software tools in the field of glycomics, the study of complex sugars. The university aims to identify and develop biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, leading to development of therapeutic antibody products. This announcement marks the first partnership of its kind for Agilent with a university in Asia. "Chungnam National University, with our motto, 'Creativity, development, and service to the community,' has been offering the best possible environment for excellence in research and education for over 50 years," said professor Kwang Hwa Chung, dean, Chungnam National University. "We are proud to announce this collaboration with Agilent that will see our university using the latest analytical and scientific technologies for research in glycomics." "We are excited about this collaboration with one of the world's leading universities on glycan research," said Rod Minett, general manager, Agilent Life Sciences Group, South Asia Pacific and Korea. "The knowledge gleaned from the collaboration will not only contribute toward the improvement of the biosimilars industry in Korea, but also help scientists discover new cures and develop new drugs and vaccines to treat and prevent diseases." The research will be jointly led by professor Hyun Joo An, department of analytical science and technology at Chungnam National University's Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST) and head of the new Asia Glycomics Education Center, and by Rudolf Grimm, Agilent's director of science and technology and manager of collaborations in the Asia Pacific region. Grimm was appointed adjunct professor by the university for his work in this field. Both researchers will define and conduct joint research projects to develop new applications, methods or analytical tools for glycan analysis. "There has been an increased interest in the area of glycomic research in Korea," said professor An. "I am very pleased that Chungnam National University and Agilent have chosen to combine their cutting-edge technology and knowledge in Korea to further research in this very exciting field." "A collaboration with a world-class analytical scientist like professor An is an important step toward fostering innovation in the field of glycomics," said Grimm. "Such partnerships will ensure that Agilent remains a leading provider of knowledge and analytical solutions to further research." Under the agreement, GRAST will also develop glycomics training courses for Agilent's customers and employees to help further the advancement in the field, while Agilent Life Sciences will utilize GRAST as its strategic glycomics reference site in Korea and Southeast Asia.