The research charity Cancer Research UK has set up its own £18 million manufacturing unit to make biopharmaceuticals for use in clinical trials.
The first product to be manufactured at the new Biotherapeutics Development Unit is an antibody, for treating a range of cancers, discovered by Southampton University.
Cancer Research UK is the largest charity funding R&D in cancer in the world. Until now it has relied on outsourcing the manufacture of biologics discovered through the research it funds. It says having its own manufacturing facility will speed up the process of getting products into the clinic.
The charity already has a Formulation Unit in Glasgow, Scotland, where it manufacturers small molecule drugs for clinical trials. The new unit will manufacture biologics including cancer vaccines and antibodies.
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