Scottish research institute sets up wholly owned vaccines company

Pneumonic lung affected by pasteurellosis. Image courtesy Moredun Research Institute.

Inocul8 Ltd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the institute, will support a variety of commercialisation strategies to aid new vaccine development for economically important diseases, including pneumonia in cattle and nematode infections in sheep.

Willie Donachie, Deputy Director of Moredun Research Institute and Chief Scientific Officer of the new company, said, “Moredun has a very strong tradition of applied research and in translating this expertise into practical outputs such as vaccines for pasteurellosis and clostridial diseases. In recent years our researchers have had particular success in moving vaccine research findings into commercial success.”

But said Donachie, “There has been increasing realisation that researchers face obstacles, which are specifically related to the product development phase that hinders commercial exploitation. We are confident that the commercial expertise Inocul8 can provide will support our researchers in overcoming these barriers.” 

Richard Mole, Chief Operating Officer of Inocul8, said that in a review conducted last year a significant number of Moredun research projects with vaccine-related opportunities were identified. The early targets for further development include new or improved vaccines for pneumonia and haemorrhagic septicaemia

Inocul8 aims to form relationships between the research institute and commercial companies, as well as providing a bridge to the market.