Pfizer and UCB set up joint venture with funding from UK government

The UK government is co-funding the world’s largest pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc and its partner, UCB Pharma, to found a start-up Cyclofluidic Ltd to develop new technologies to speed up drug discovery.

The two companies were brought together by the UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to form the company, with the aim of applying microfluidics to bridge between medicinal chemistry and in vitro testing of compounds in biological targets, thus automating and speeding up the process of lead optimisation.

The TSB’s Chief Executive, Iain Gray, said, “Our role is to stimulate the development and deployment of technologies which, as well as benefiting society, also provide global business opportunities for the UK.”

“Cyclofluidic is an excellent example of the private and public sectors working together to develop world-leading technologies […..] We are delighted to offer our support and investment.”

Neil Weir Senior Vice President of Research at UCB ,said microfluidics has the potential to transform the medicinal chemistry and biology interface. “It’s an exciting opportunity for UCB and Pfizer to collaborate and offers real potential for improved productivity.”

Peter Luke, Senior Director, Worldwide Business Development at Pfizer said, “This is a great example of how public–private partnerships can provide innovative technologies to speed medicines to market. We are impressed by the way the Technology Strategy Board has initiated a novel and creative deal structure.”

Cyclofluidic will be jointly owned by Pfizer and UCB. It is to be established at a new facility in the south of England. As part of the deal with the TSB the company will collaborate with academics and component manufacture and also provide training for both flow chemistry and biology scientists.