Babraham Bioscience Technologies has announced that Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT), the cancer-focused technology development and commercialisation arm of Cancer Research UK – the world’s largest cancer charity, has taken a lease in the new chemistry building currently under construction at the Babraham Research Campus.
The building is due for completion in April 2013 and will house part of CRT’s Discovery Laboratories, its early-stage drug discovery operation.
The Babraham Research Campus has established itself as a hub of bioscience innovation at the heart of the Cambridge cluster and is already home to 36 innovative biomedical companies. This new research facility has been funded through the £44M capital development project awarded to the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), which was announced by the Chancellor in 2011.
The building offers around 16,000 sq ft of lettable space, which will include 24 fume hoods, open plan bench space, offices and meeting rooms. CRT has taken a lease on half of the building, which will accommodate up to 30 of their researchers working in the area of cancer therapeutics (both bioscience and chemistry).
This is the second building financed through this capital project funding, the first being Babraham’s most recent Bioincubator Building, Moneta, which opened in April 2012. To date there are five Bioincubator Buildings at the campus, underscoring Babraham’s continuing commitment to nurturing early-stage enterprises and supporting biomedical innovation in the region. The Babraham Research Campus is strategically supported by the BBSRC.
About Babraham Bioscience Technologies Ltd.
Babraham Bioscience Technologies Ltd. is the commercial arm of the Babraham Institute, which undertakes life sciences research and receives strategic support from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). BBT promotes, supports and encourages academic and commercial biomedical research locally, regionally and nationally. BBT is responsible for managing the Babraham Research Campus’ Bioincubator, currently home to around 35 early-stage biomedical companies. In 2011 the Babraham Research Campus received £44M from the UK Government to build facilities to support early-stage biomedical ventures. BBT brings together all the elements to support innovation and enable the successful exploitation of research in the biomedical sector based on technologies emanating from the Babraham Institute and bio-ventures relocating to the campus. BBT has taken a prominent role regionally, initiating and leading partnerships to promote knowledge and skills flow, and has established a reputation for helping innovative biomedical start-ups create and build their businesses. Website: www.babraham.com
The Babraham Institute, which receives strategic funding (£22.4M in 2010-11) from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), undertakes international quality life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. The Institute’s research is focused on understanding the biological events that underlie the normal functions of cells and the implication of failure or abnormalities in these processes. Research focuses on signalling and genome regulation, particularly the interplay between the two and how epigenetic signals can influence important physiological adaptations during the lifespan of an organism. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and healthier ageing.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. Funded by Government, and with an annual budget of around £445M, we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: www.bbsrc.ac.uk
HIFU is a highly precise non-invasive type of surgery which uses ultrasound energy to heat and destroy tumours while leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact. The treatment works with immediate benefit and has the potential to reduce side effects compared with current alternative treatments.
Our portfolio company, STORM Therapeutics secures $56 Million Series C financing and doses its first patient in Phase 2 sarcoma trial of STC‑15, its first‑in‑class, oral small-molecule inhibitor of METTL3.
Inivata, a leader in liquid biopsy, today announced that NeoGenomics has agreed to acquire Inivata.
