Pioneering drug discovery firm Amprologix has become the latest company to move to Plymouth Science Park.
, a spinout company from the University of Plymouth, is now part of a growing health tech cluster at the park, and will make use of cutting-edge laboratory facilities within the university’s Derriford Research Facility.
The move comes as the company begins the clinical phase of its antibiotic discovery programmes. focused on identifying the next generation of antibiotics, helping meet the growing need for novel approaches to the threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Mat Upton, professor of medical microbiology and chief scientific officer of Amprologix, said: “We are delighted to be joining the fantastic community of health tech innovators at Plymouth Science Park. The technical capabilities of the Derriford Research Facility will be vital to our continued work as we strive to combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.”
A Government review in 2015 estimated that by 2050, the global cost of antibiotic resistance could rise to US$100 trillion and drug-resistant infections will cause 10million deaths a year, eclipsing the current toll from cancer and diabetes combined.
In the 海角视频 alone, the Government estimates there are currently 5,000 deaths each year because antibiotics no longer work for some infections.
Amprologix was founded in 2018 to develop and commercialise the work of Prof Upton, who leads the university’s internationally recognised Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens Research Group.
The company is partnered with world-leading biotechnology company Ingenza LTD for manufacturing, and in 2019 won a £1.2million contract from the Department for Health and Social Care to accelerate development and scale up its lead antibiotic candidate to tackle antimicrobial resistant MRSA and related superbugs.
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Dr Ian Fotheringham, managing director of Ingenza, said: “This is an exciting move for Amprologix. To be part of a dynamic technology community will accelerate its growth and advance its innovative approaches to tackle the unmet global threat of antimicrobial resistance.”
Dr Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome Amprologix to Plymouth Science Park. The last year has demonstrated in the starkest possible terms the importance of innovative health tech research and capability. We look forward to supporting Amprologix as they continue their vital work developing new antibiotics and addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance.”
Originally named Tamar Science Park,as a joint venture between the University of Plymouth and Plymouth City Council.
More than £30million of investment, including ERDF, SWRDA and HotSW LEP grants, have funded five separate phases of development since 1996.
The board of PSP comprises senior representatives from Plymouth City Council. including the elected leader of the council, and the University of Plymouth, plus three independent non-executive directors. The 25-acre campus is home to science and technology businesses involved in digital, creative, marine, earth and life sciences.