NEWS
'Partner with experience' Melbourn Scientific advises at ERBI
“Many biotechnology companies are re-evaluating their path to market strategy as the effects from the economic crisis are still being felt,” Hammond explains. “We find that by using an Accelerated Feasibility Programme to develop formulations companies can fast-track product development whilst still generating data that can be used to add significant value to IP assets.
“An organisation, such as Melbourn Scientific, which is regularly FDA and MHRA inspected across a full spectrum of molecules, has a wealth of knowledge that could significantly reduce the cost of development without compromising quality and this can greatly benefit biotech entrepreneurs.”
Hammond says that in the early stages of product development the concept of ‘fit for purpose’ is paramount to an efficient transition from lead optimisation to first in man studies.
“To get to the clinic in a cost and time efficient manner the formulation and testing procedures need to reflect the adequate requirements for a pre-clinical or first-in-man trial; full development/validation can progress in various stages along the product development lifecycle. The support of an experienced partner can help provide added value during the development process whilst ensuring that sufficient data is collated for regulatory purposes at each stage.”
The partnership approach Melbourn Scientific adopts with its clients has proven very successful in fast tracking molecules at various stages from lead to launch. The company, based near Cambridge, has one of the largest teams of analysts, formulators and product development experts in Europe and is expanding its facilities to increase its capacity and to offer clients additional services tailored to their product needs.
“Our clients are at the forefront of innovation and some also want to have a hands-on approach. We offer them the opportunity to work alongside our scientists at our facilities in dedicated project rooms that protects their confidentiality and that of our other clients.”
Other facilities include a formulation suite with support for lab-scale manufacture, support for novel device development including inhalers and nebulisers, and extended stability storage and test rooms.
Hammond welcomes the recent integration of London Biotech with ERBI and the moves made to enhance communication between different clusters. European biotech companies have a wealth of talent on the doorstep that enable great working relationships to be forged.
“We were in the US for a conference a few weeks ago. Many of the most interesting leads came from companies that are based just down the road! The ERBI conference is great at showcasing the diversity of world class companies that are based in the East of England.”