Inside the Nottingham labs where drug research experts look for new treatments during pandemic

They are working together on the discovery and development of new therapeutics

Four expert research companies have joined forces in Nottingham to ensure vital discovery and development of new drugs remains uninterrupted during the coronavirus pandemic.

Based at BioCity Nottingham, the UK’s largest bioscience, innovation and incubation centre,Charnwood Molecular, Reach Separations, Aurelia Bioscience and XenoGesis have strengthened their existing links to work together.

This is helping with the discovery and development of new therapeutics (drugs which help with illnesses) during the pandemic.

The collaboration combines specialist expertise in the range of therapeutics discovery and development.

It means clients are able to access the contract research organisations that are leaders in their fields and also already experienced at working together, guaranteeing drug discovery programmes continue seamlessly with minimal disruption.

Dr Richard Weaver, CEO and founder of XenoGesis, said: “Many businesses have been impacted by the restrictions on the movement of people and supplies, which has created barriers and slowed down drug discovery and development.

“XenoGesis, Charnwood Molecular, Reach Separations and Aurelia Bioscience each benefits from being co-located at BioCity Nottingham, and following the implementation of safe working environments to adhere to social distancing rules, the four companies have been able to remain open and provide specialist services to ensure seamless continuity for drug discovery programmes.

"All four companies already work together on numerous projects and have found our close proximity and co-location to be a huge advantage in working effectively to keep projects going.

“Through the collaboration, our clients can feel confident that they are still able to access the best specialised CRO in its respective discipline, and also dip into the services that they need at different stages of their project."

Robin Wilkes, director of business development at Charnwood Molecular, said: “In these unprecedented times, the need for new therapeutics is higher than ever.

"Being co-located at BioCity Nottingham has huge advantages and enables us to navigate some of the barriers that are affecting other businesses, ensuring our clients’ projects can continue.”

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Victoria Coulthard, head of business development at Reach Separations, added: “We already have a proven track record of working together to provide services for clients across the globe.

"By coming together and offering a collaborative approach, we are able to build on this, and help clients expedite their drug discovery projects in spite of the lockdown.”

Gary Allenby, chief scientific officer at Aurelia Bioscience, said: “Together at BioCity Nottingham, Aurelia Bioscience, Charnwood Molecular, Reach Separations and XenoGesis have been able to provide seamless business continuity for drug discovery programmes, combatting the disruption that is being experienced elsewhere in the sector.”