The latest Business updates from the science industry


by Heather Hobbs Ground-breaking drug discovery research centre opens at Dundee


successful spinout companies will only help to further establish Dundee, Scotland, and the wider UK at the centre of the highly competitive life sciences sector.”


TPD, a relatively new fi eld within drug discovery, uses molecules called degraders, or Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs), to remove or degrade proteins in the cell that could lead to disease.


Degrader molecules developed by Professor Alessio Ciulli and his team from the University’s School of Life Sciences, are already being utilised around the world in the quest to develop new treatments for illnesses such as cancer, as well as dermatological and neurological conditions. TPD research has attracted billions of pounds of investment globally in recent years, with Dundee widely recognised as a world-leader in the fi eld.


Minister Freeman (left) and Professor Alessio Ciulli offi cially open the ceTPD (Credit: University of Dundee)


The University of Dundee celebrated the offi cial opening of its multi- million pound Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD) towards the end of last year, when former UK Science Minister George Freeman, met researchers behind pioneering studies of potential ways to treat diseases previously thought to be undruggable.


The Minister was welcomed to the launch event by Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University, who said: “The University is recognised globally in the fi eld of life sciences and this new Centre represents our commitment to further enhancing this reputation.


“It is fi tting that the CeTPD is located next to the Tay Cities Regional Innovation Hub, which has been funded via the Tay Cities Region Deal. These sites bring together world-class research and entrepreneurial expertise that will advance and commercialise the breakthroughs being made here. Translating our research into


The new facility, under Professor Ciulli’s directorship, is expected to create a unit that will more than double in size from the current 60 full-time posts, to more than 120 over the next fi ve years, bringing more high-skilled jobs to the area. The Centre was established with the support of several industry partners and philanthropic organisations, including the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust and the Northwood Charitable Trust.


The CeTPD will also support and be expected to create new spinout companies, where exceptional fundamental research is translated into commercial products that can benefi t patients across the world. “Targeted Protein Degradation is one of the most exciting areas of science today,” said Professor Ciulli, Director of CeTPD at the event. “Dundee is front and centre of global efforts in this new fi eld. We are one of a handful of institutions leading the world in TPD. Our new Centre enables us to take our science to the next level and offers a pinnacle for training and innovation in TPD research.


He added: “Welcoming the Minister to Dundee has been a huge honour for us all and allowed us to demonstrate the signifi cant scientifi c and


The Minister tours the new Centre


economic impact our work has. The establishment of CeTPD is a milestone moment and will ensure that research carried out here in Dundee is at the vanguard of drug discovery for years to come.”


At the launch, former Science Minister George Freeman MP said:“This is not just a great UK story but a brilliant Dundee story. There are children born here who will think of Dundee as a city of technology, a city of science, and as a place creating innovations and opportunities for them.


“It gives a new generation a sense that we can cure disease, improve the world and make Scotland and the United Kingdom safer and more prosperous.”


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/beb2 61493pr@reply-direct.com


Transfer to maximise synergies and sharpen focus on growth


Concept Life Sciences, a leading drug discovery, development and manufacturing organisation, marked the end of last year with the divestment of its Bradford analytical chemistry business to Cormica, a specialist in testing services for medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers.


As both companies are part of the healthcare portfolio of private equity house, Limerston Capital LLP, the seamlessly executed agreement included the transfer of all employees to Cormica who remain located at the Bradford offi ce with business contining as normal.


Having recently undergone a signifi cant brand exercise, the new identity and name aligns with Cormica’s strategy for expansion in the UK, US and European markets through acquisition and organic growth.


The move has allowed Concept Life Sciences to sharpen focus on its core services spanning from drug discovery to early-stage development pathways. Established in 2017 through the acquisition of various enterprises, the company, acquired by Limerston Capital at the beginning of April last year, is renowned for its expertise in the pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical sectors.


Mark Hammond, CEO of Cormica, said: “Cormica has an ambitious growth strategy, trained on full service regulated testing across, physical, chemical and microbiology. We know the Bradford business and its team well and the opportunity to strengthen our expertise in analytical chemistry will signifi cantly strengthen our market position and provide an enhanced service to our customers.”


Ben Cliff, CEO of Concept Life Sciences said that 2023 had been busy and provided the much-needed chance to review operations and longer-term strategy which will realise the company’s full potential.


At the time of the deal he commented: “Bradford has been an important part of our story so far; however its offerings align much more closely with Cormica which has a shared customer base and audiences. This deal will allow us to concentrate on our core service lines, working with our highly skilled team to drive our work in key markets.”


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/8NOO 61499pr@reply-direct.com


Ben Cliff CEO Concept Life Sciences


Agreement brings IFA test kits and instruments to the US


Aesku.Group, a leading provider of innovative diagnostic solutions, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with laboratory industry provider Thermo Fisher Scientifi c, for the marketing, sales and support of its range of FDA-Cleared immunofl uorescence (IFA) products, automated instruments and software in the United States. The gives customers access to autoimmune diagnostics and automated instrumentation, complimenting both the EliA™ autoimmune testing portfolio and Phadia™ laboratory instruments with Aesku IFA testing and Helios® HTC systems. “Our partnership with Aesku underscores our commitment to enabling our customers to make the world


healthier by providing innovative solutions that help advance the detection and diagnosis of complex autoimmune diseases,” stated Santhosh Nair, President of ImmunoDiagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientifi c. “Aesku has pioneered innovative and effi cient solutions that synergise seamlessly with our existing portfolio. We are excited about offering these solutions to our customers and the opportunity to positively impact more patient lives.” Dr Torsten Matthias, President and founder of Aesku, said “We are thrilled to enter this partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientifi c, a global diagnostics powerhouse, to bring our pioneering IFA solutions to


the forefront of the US market. Aesku’s commitment to innovation in autoimmune diagnostics aligns seamlessly with Thermo Fisher’s Mission of enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for accuracy and effi ciency in autoimmunity testing, ensuring clinicians and patients receive the most advanced diagnostic capabilities available.”


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/kAvj 61874pr@reply-direct.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68