EEDA - East of England Development Agency

New investment in Norwich Research Park to spark life-saving drug discovery

4 August 2008

Developers of life-saving drugs will have access to a fully-tailored suite of ‘drop-in’ lab facilities at Norwich Research Park, thanks to new investment announced today.

The new and much-needed bio-pharmaceutical services will be provided by the University of East Anglia (UEA), and will be funded by a £300,000 grant from the East of England Development Agency’s (EEDA) pilot innovative capital equipment competition.

The new investment will provide bespoke cytometry services including a Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) for early-stage ventures in the drug discovery sector to road test their ideas, and reduce their need to out-source.

Perhaps more importantly, it will also facilitate a more powerful interaction between regional businesses and academia, with the expertise of UEA and Norwich Research Park academics on-hand to provide technical support and collaboration opportunities.

The pilot capital equipment competition was launched by EEDA back in February. Norwich Research Park, which comprises of the University of East Anglia, the John Innes Centre, the Institute for Food Research and the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital NHS Trust, is one of three regional centres who were successful in scooping a share of nearly £1 million (£891,200). Richard Ellis, EEDA chair, said:

"Bioscience is one of the fastest growing sectors of the East of England’s economy which is bringing international recognition and investment to the region. At EEDA, we understand the importance of funding those who are just beginning to succeed in their chosen industry which is why this competition is so important.  It really enabled us to select focal points across the region where we could invest in the ‘infrastructure’ that ambitious, early-stage bioscience companies need to take them to the next level, and move their concepts closer to market success.”

Dr Darren Sexton, lecturer in immunology and LTN Business Fellow at the University of East Anglia said:
 
“EEDA’s funding is going to be absolutely critical in enhancing the flexibility of Norwich Research Park’s offering to SMEs across the East of England, allowing us to cater to their individual and specific needs. Businesses in this region can tap-in to a wealth of facilities, without having to tie-up their early-stage capital in out-sourcing. At the same time, the grant will provide a base from which Norwich Research Park scientists can engage with industry, enabling businesses to take full advantage of their expertise. We will be operating a single pricing policy, with a view to generating revenue to reinvest into Norwich Research Park, which will ultimately enhance its offer looking forward.”

Minister of State at the Department for Business, Pat McFadden said:
"Innovation is vital to ensuring the future prosperity of the UK's economy. I am delighted to see this collaboration between EEDA and UEA which will help small businesses in the important bio-pharmaceutical sector develop new products and establish themselves. Bringing industry and academia together in this way is important to strengthening our young SMEs and encouraging a culture of innovation."

To find out more about the services at the Norwich Research Park, visit www.nrp.org.uk

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