Students from the School of Pharmacy at S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) completed an internship at Antigen LLP. This is a Kazakhstani research and production company operating at the intersection of biotechnology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and medicine.
Specialists at Antigen LLP create and manufacture immunobiological preparations and diagnostic test systems that meet the most stringent international GMP, GLP and GDP standards. The products are developed taking into account the unique characteristics of the epidemiological situation in the region and are successfully used both in Kazakhstan and abroad. During the pandemic, the company, together with the new OtarBioPharm biopharmaceutical plant, produced the domestic Kazakhstani QazVac vaccine.
A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the S.D. Asfendiyarov and Antigen LLP, a memorandum of cooperation was signed, according to which students enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Production Technology educational programme visit the plant’s workshops and laboratories during their internships, complete their bachelor’s and master’s theses, and participate in research work.
Taking into account the specifics of biotechnological drug production, students specialising in biotechnology and OHT in the ‘Biotechnologist’ programme study such elective disciplines as ‘Principles and Methods of Biopreparation Production’, ‘Pharmaceutical Biotechnology’, ‘Introduction to Bioengineering,’ ‘Fundamentals of Immunobiological Product Manufacturing,’ and ‘Fundamentals of Vaccine and Anatoxin Manufacturing.’
Graduates trained in this track, after completing internships at research institutes and manufacturing enterprises, will possess the key knowledge and competencies necessary to work at pharmaceutical companies that produce biotechnological products.
Antigen LLP is a research and production enterprise founded in 1998. The company’s activities are based on many years of experience in laboratory diagnostics, microbiology, immunology, and biotechnology.
Since its foundation, the company’s employees have strived not only to create products and conduct research, but also to develop scientific culture, implement innovative solutions and improve the quality of life.
Antigen LLP develops vaccines, diagnostic systems and biotechnological preparations for veterinary and human medicine. We have a modern laboratory and technological base, and we implement ambitious scientific projects and international cooperation.
In 2013, Antigen LLP won the national competition ‘Industry Leader 2013’ for achieving effective work and high social activity of enterprises. The President of Kazakhstan, K.K. Tokayev, personally presented diplomas and awards to the winners of the competition.
The students visited the company’s testing centre. It includes the following laboratories:
•ㅤphysical and chemical research methods;
•ㅤbiotechnology;
•ㅤmolecular biology;
•ㅤmicrobiology;
•ㅤvirology;
•ㅤcellular biotechnology;
•ㅤimmunobiotechnology;
•ㅤparasitology;
•ㅤquality control.
The testing centre researches:
•ㅤmedicinal products;
•ㅤimmunobiological products;
•ㅤmedical devices;
•ㅤmedical products;
•ㅤhoney and bee products;
•ㅤpoultry meat and eggs;
•ㅤoil, oil raw materials and fats;
•ㅤfeed and feed additives;
•ㅤmeat, milk and dairy products.
Antigen LLP has a training centre that specialises in training specialists, improving qualifications and developing practical skills in the biotechnology and food industries. The centre provides training in biosafety and bioprotection, biotechnology and food safety.
Training is provided in the form of practical training sessions and master classes. Consulting and auditing services are also provided. More than 840 specialists underwent biosafety training in 2024.
Pre-graduation internships are of great importance for the training of qualified specialists. This task can only be accomplished if there are permanent internship positions available in accordance with agreements concluded by the university and existing permanent business (partnership) relationships with specific enterprises and organisations. In such relationships, employers view students as potential employees and are interested in helping students develop the required professional competence.
The Dean’s Office of the School of Pharmacy would like to thank the director of Antigen LLP, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor Akhmetssadykov N.N., and the company’s employees for their successful cooperation, conducting pre-diploma internships, assisting our students in completing their diploma and master’s theses, and improving the qualifications of the teaching staff of the School of Pharmacy at the S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University.
It was nice to see how interested the students were during their pre-graduation internship when they visited the scientific laboratories of Antigen LLP, listened to a presentation about the company, and familiarised themselves with the company’s products and development prospects. And they are impressive. There are plans to set up a production facility for pharmaceutical enterprises. Antigen LLP is developing dynamically. Scientific research is being successfully conducted, and new immunobiological preparations, diagnostic tools, and means of treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in humans and farm animals are being developed.
Unfortunately, the students were unable to visit the production workshops, as preventive work is being carried out in preparation for the release of the next series of biological products. However, during their next visit to the enterprise, they will be able to familiarise themselves with the technology used in the production of immunobiological products.
