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A private equity-backed drug discovery and pre-clinical services provider is expanding into new laboratories at Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park, Cheshire.

The move by Sygnature Discovery, which received investment from Phoenix Equity Partners in 2017, adds chemistry and biology expertise to its DMPK and translational oncology teams already present on the site.

The Queen's Award-winning company added that the expansion provides the opportunity to bring up to 150 scientists into its integrated drug discovery solutions platform, adding to the 425 staff operating at the company’s headquarters in BioCity, Nottingham.

Chief executive and founder Dr Simon Hirst said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for Sygnature. Increasing demand for our services has driven our decision to expand, and Alderley Park, with its well-earned reputation here and internationally, provides the ideal home for our new integrated site.

"With exceptional facilities tailored to our needs, an incredible set of neighbours operating on-site, and a phenomenal talent pool for us to draw from, we are set for a bright future at Alderley Park."

Dr Kath Mackay, managing director, Bruntwood SciTech - Alderley Park, added: "º£½ÇÊÓƵ life sciences has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish itself as a world leader, and businesses like Sygnature Discovery will be at the forefront of that push.

"Sygnature’s expansion will enable it to better collaborate within the ecosystem of companies already based here, in turn driving innovation, and make it more attractive to the talent on offer on its doorstep.

"We’re proud to be playing our part in helping Sygnature deliver vital drug discovery research that will have long-lasting benefits for patients."