Members' News
10th May 2012
Angel Biomedical acquires the assets of a biomaterial and collagen manufacturing business
The Scottish Lifesciences Association wecolmes the recent acquistion by Angel Biomedical Ltd of the assets of an established biomaterial and collagen manufacturing business. Press release below:
7th May 2012
Intercell announces EUR 25.0 million financing
Intercell announces EUR 25.0 million financing from BB Biotech and proposed private placement with selected institutional investors
30th Apr 2012
The BioMedical Catalyst – Competition Open
The BioMedical Catalyst – Save the Date: Tuesday 15th May for the Scottish Information Day
26th Apr 2012
ProStrakan’s Sancuso Approved in Europe
ProStrakan’s Sancuso Approved in Europe
17th Apr 2012
Angel Biotechnology Holdings and TransGenRx Inc. sign £800K contract
Angel Biotechnology Holdings and TransGenRx Inc. sign contract for development of a recombinant interferon product.
12th Apr 2012
Life sciences set to cash in on £180m funding boost
For Link to the Scotsman click here
11th Apr 2012
Board changes at Optos
LONDON, UK, 11 April 2012 – Optos plc (LSE: OPTS), a leading medical retinal imaging company, announces that Louisa Burdett will succeed Christine Soden as Chief Financial Officer when she steps down from this role on 31 May 2012.
3rd Apr 2012
Innovation Centres to support business and university collaboration
To download the press release click here.
2nd Apr 2012
MGB BioPharma ECCMID Poster Abstract Presented
Glasgow based MGB Biopharma which is developing a new class of antibiotic called DNA Minor Groove Binders, announced today that it has published the results of activity of its most advanced drug MGB-BP3 against Gram positive bacteria, including MRSA and vancomycin resistant enterococci. The company presented data at the 22nd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in London on April 2nd.
2nd Apr 2012
Eden Scott partners with BioCity Scotland
Leading Scottish recruitment consultancy Eden Scott has signed a corporate partnership agreement with BioCity Scotland, the life sciences cluster in Newhouse, Lanarkshire.
22nd Mar 2012
SLA welcomes the £100m GSK investment in Scotland
More than £100m investment confirmed for GSK manufacturing in Scotland
15th Mar 2012
MGB Biopharma awarded TSB Proof of Concept grant
TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY BOARD GRANT AWARDED FOR PARENTERAL PROJECT
14th Mar 2012
TSB Funding call for Stratified Medicine – Diagnostics for Adverse or Non-Response
The government is inviting UK companies to apply for funding to develop tests that will identify patients at risk of either suffering an adverse response or not responding to specific therapies.
13th Mar 2012
SLA Chairman joins BioCity Nottingham board
Life Sciences Industry Leader, Dr John Brown, Joins BioCity Nottingham Board
12th Mar 2012
Tissue Solutions Achieve Certification to ISO 9001
We are pleased to announce that Tissue Solutions has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 Accreditation. The award was made through BSI Management Systems (BSI), a world leader in assessing business processes against internationally recognised standards. We are delighted to achieve this accreditation as formal recognition for our commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Customer care has always been at the forefront of our business and ISO certification provides our customers with further reassurance that we always provides a quality service.
12th Mar 2012
SLA welcomes Welsh Assembly largesse
The Scottish Lifesciences Association is pleased to see the Welsh Assembly Government putting more resources into life sciences. Such bold initiatives are to be applauded and the SLA is working ever more closely with the Scottish Government and its agencies to ensure that the level of resources being allocated to life sciences in Scotland continues to increase. In such a globally competitive industry it is important that Scotland continually reviews its offering to ensure we remain an attractive destination for the life sciences sector
6th Mar 2012
Alba Bioscience Parent Company, Quotient Biodiagnostics, Raises $11.2 Million of Growth Finance
Quotient Biodiagnostics Raises $11.2 Million of Growth Finance Led by Galen Partners
5th Mar 2012
Angel Biotechnology appoints Dr. Stewart White as Acting CEO
Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc
5th Mar 2012
Roslin Cells To Manufacture iPS Cells For Bipolar Disorder Research
Roslin Cells Ltd, announced today that it will be participating in a consortium to generate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) to study bipolar affective disorder. The consortium led by Professor Andrew McIntosh from the University of Edinburgh is the winner of a 2011 CRACK-IT Challenge organised by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs).
29th Feb 2012
Integrated Magnetic Systems Ltd awarded a SMART R&D grant for “Magnetic Antibodies”
Integrated Magnetic Systems Ltd (IMSL), a bio-nanotechnology company based in Dundee Scotland, announces that it has won a Scottish Enterprise SMART:Scotland R&D award to further develop their proprietary magnetic protein technology.
29th Feb 2012
BioCity Scotland joins forces with Harrison Goddard Foote
BioCity Scotland, the newly-opened life sciences cluster in Newhouse, Lanarkshire, has signed a three-year agreement with leading patent attorneys HGF making them the first corporate partner.
26th Feb 2012
Warning Label Wins Backing from US Business High Flier
An ingenious invention that warns when food or other products are about to expire has won backing from an influential figure in the American aviation industry.
22nd Feb 2012
SLA members successful in Medical Research Scotland PhD programme
The SLA is delighted with recent success with the Medical Research Scotland PhD Studentship Programme. For further information please click here
9th Feb 2012
SLA welcomes the increased investment in life sciences by the Scottish Government
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announces the launch of a £600K Innovation Fund, much wecolmed by the SLA.
9th Feb 2012
No Expiry Date on Ingenuity As UWI Technology Claims Major Award
An ingenious Scot’s invention that warns when food or other products are about to expire has claimed one of the biggest accolades in the scientific sector.
8th Feb 2012
Sistemic to work with TiGenix on landmark rheumatoid arthritis cell therapy product
Download Press release here
20th Jan 2012
Roslin Cellab’s Study Determines BioCision’s CoolCell® Technology to be superior
Download release
19th Jan 2012
Alba Bioscience receives FDA license to sell additional products in the USA
11th Jan 2012
BioCity Scotland Ltd secures former MSD research site
BioCity Scotland Ltd secures former MSD research site
19th Dec 2011
Plant closure led to birth of firm with global ambitions - Gael Limited
Plant closure led to birth of firm with global ambitions
18th Dec 2011
Reid plans expansion at Sistemic
www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/business/reid_plans_expansion_for_sistemic_1_2014758
1st Dec 2011
Drs Russell Greig and Alex Chanas join BigDNA Advisory Board
Edinburgh based vaccine development company BigDNA has expanded its Advisory Board with the appointments of Dr Russell Greig and Dr Alex Chanas. Both executives each have over 30 years top-level experience in the pharmaceutical industry - Dr Greig having held senior positions at Glaxosmithkline/SR One and Dr Chanas at Pfizer Ltd.
29th Nov 2011
NuCana BioMed Secures $10.4 Million Series A Financing
3rd Nov 2011
Michael Moore - Secretary of State for Scotland Visits Quintiles in Livingston
Michael Moore visited Quintiles as part of the SLA's engagement week. Issues discussed included how the Scotland Office can help in regulatory issues that apply to SLA member companies.
25th Oct 2011
The SLA welcomes the New NRS Career Researcher Scheme
The Scottish Lifesciences Association has welcomed the Scottish Government's support of the NRS Career Researcher Fellowship to support the next generation of researchers in NHSScotland. Scott Johnstone, CEO of the SLA said: "This investment will enable SLA member companies to engage with the brightest new researchers in NHSScotland and we are committed to working with the R&D Directors to facilitate this"
24th Oct 2011
The University of Edinburgh agrees a collaboration agreement with GSK
Monday 24th October 2011
20th Oct 2011
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Acquires Controlled Therapeutics
Ferring Pharmaceuticals has acquired Controlled Therapeutics in East Kilbide as part of the Group acquisition.
18th Oct 2011
TPP Global Development enters into a collaboration agreement with the University of Dundee
TPP collaboration with the University of Dundee.
11th Oct 2011
Omega Diagnostics in India move
class="story-header">Omega Diagnostics in India move
Alva-based medical testing company Omega Diagnostics has set up a subsidiary in India as it looks to tap into the country's major growth potential for allergy products.
9th Sep 2011
Axis-Shield receives FDA clearance for new anti-CCP assay
Dundee, Scotland, 26 August 2011. Axis-Shield plc (LSE: ASD, OSE: ASD) ("Axis-Shield", the "Company" or the "Group"), the international and innovative in vitro diagnostics company, today announces that a new version of the Company's anti-CCP ELISA kit for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis has been cleared for use by the US Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") under the 510(k) procedure. The new kit increases the assay range and contains changed components for reduced manufacturing costs and improved margins.
8th Sep 2011
Cell characterisation experts Sistemic join the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine
NEWS RELEASE
29th Aug 2011
Eden Scott injects fresh expertise into Life Sciences team
Leading Scottish recruitment consultancy Eden Scott has recruited Lynsay Nixon to its fast-growing Life Sciences team. She brings to the firm a wealth of industry experience and expertise gained from working with several innovative and entrepreneurial life sciences businesses, including ImmunoSolv, Quotient Bioresearch and Aptuit.
25th Jul 2011
SLA Scottish Life Sciences Engagement week
The SLA is mounting the first Scottish Life Sciences Engagement Week this autumn, from 19 – 27 October.
14th Jun 2011
Scottish healthcare technology collaboration to support personalised treatment of cancer
13th Jun 2011
Dr John Brown receives CBE and Kevin Moore an OBE in Queen’s Birthday honours
Edinburgh, 13th June 2011. The Scottish Lifesciences Association is delighted to announce that its Chairman, Dr John Brown, has received a CBE. In the same honours list Kevin Moore, SLA’s newest Board member, has received an OBE.
12th Jun 2011
BIOMEDICAL COMPANIES SET FOR CHARITY BOOST IN SCOTLAND
An innovative new funding initiative developed by Scotland’s most comprehensive medical research charity will provide a significant boost for businesses in the key life-sciences sector.
24th May 2011
Medical testing firm Omega Diagnostics signs US deal
Alva-based medical testing company Omega Diagnostics has signed a deal covering the sale and distribution of its Food Detective kit in the US.
20th May 2011
SLA writes to new Ministers
Edinburgh, 20th May 2011. John Brown, as Chairman of the SLA, has written to Nicola Sturgeon congratulating her on her re-appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Health, and highlighting the SLA’s mission to sustain and grow life sciences in Scotland. John has also written in similar terms to John Swinney as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and to the new Enterprise Minister, Fergus Ewing. In these letters, John identified the following priorities for the SLA:-
13th Apr 2011
SLA appoints David Harrison to the Advisory Board
Edinburgh, 13th April 2011. The Scottish Lifesciences Association has recruited a wide cross section of companies from the medical devices, diagnostics, biopharmaceutical and contract research organisations across Scotland. It is continuing to strengthen the board to enhance the Association’s support for the Scottish economy.
6th Apr 2011
Sistemic's, SistemRNA platform selected by Redx Pharma for drug development screening
Glasgow, Scotland 6th April 2011; Fast growing Sistemic has signed a master service agreement with Redx Pharma, to provide its SistemRNA™ suite of drug development tools, to accelerate Redx Pharma’s preclinical development pipeline, of over 250new drug candidates.This comes on the back of the successful completion of a project which added significant value to one of Redx Pharma’s lead programmes whilst providing a significant cost saving. The news follows Sistemic’s announcement in February of an 82% increase in sales from the same period a year ago.
6th Apr 2011
Medical Research Scotland announces an innovative change in funding stream
Following a strategic review of Medical Research Scotland's activities, including a detailed consideration of how our funds are best used to support young people in biomedical research in Scotland, the Trustees have decided to introduce an innovative new funding stream which will replace the traditional Project Grants. The very firm intention is to continue to support the careers of such young people, albeit by a different route.
28th Mar 2011
SLA appoints John A Brown as Director of Policy
Edinburgh, 28th March 2011. The Scottish Lifesciences Association is delighted to announce the appointment of John A Brown as it Director of Policy. The Scottish Lifesciences Association has made a solid start to it operations in Scotland. Following the announcement to set up a Scottish body in November 2010, the Association has successfully recruited a cross section of companies from the medical devices, diagnostics, biopharmaceutical and contract research organisations across Scotland.
17th Mar 2011
Grant Thornton calls upon the Government to protect R&D tax incentive schemes for all businesses
The Government must protect the incentive schemes that encourage investment in research and development “across the board”, says leading business and financial advisers Grant Thornton, and not be tempted by the findings of the Dyson report to restrict tax benefits to a specific sector or type of technology in this month’s Budget.
Grant Thornton says that R&D tax credit provides a clear and demonstrable incentive to invest in innovation, which is vital to the UK and Scottish economy. Suggestions that the Government might scale down this benefit by restricting its availability to ‘high-tech’ organisations, as put forward by Sir James Dyson, is causing concern.
Neil McInnes for Grant Thornton in Scotland goes on to say that while finance remains one of the biggest challenges for Scottish companies, R&D tax credits enable many SMEs and start-ups to maintain a sustained R&D programme.
He says:
15th Mar 2011
AXIS-SHIELD 2010 PRELIMINARY RESULTS
REVENUES EXCEED £100 MILLION & MAIDEN DIVIDEND ANNOUNCED
3rd Feb 2011
Sistemic Sales Gain Pace in 2011
Glasgow, Scotland, February 2, 2011 / b3c newswire / - Sistemic, focussed on providing microRNA-based problem solving services and kit based products to the life sciences research and development markets, is certainly living up to its high growth expectations and award winning tag as Nexxus, Most Promising Company of the Year and has now started 2011 with a bang. This month the company has signed Master Service Agreements with RedX Pharma based in Liverpool, a subsidiary of a large pharmaceutical company in Cambridge, Massachusetts and not forgetting about their home ground, Glasgow University. The gain in the market has been driven by their solid science aligned with their focused commercial strategy which in turn has driven an 82 % increase in sales from the same month a year ago. This places Sistemic on a very firm footing from which it will further expand its efforts globally over the coming year as well as marks a significant milestone in its growth.
Sistemic’s Chief Executive, Jim Reid commented that “….It has been a great start to the year and really confirms the strength and broad applicability of our technologies. Sistemic is about giving our clients more instructive information on their system from microRNA profiling, be it in drug discovery or cell QC. The Sistemic approach gives the knowledge to our clients to guide their future development or business decisions and this unique position is resulting in significant commercial interest. 2011 has started well and we expect this to continue with the company continuing to expand its patent protected portfolio of products and services, increasing its Glasgow & Boston facilities as well as expanding internationally to service its increasing global customer base”.
Dr. Neil Murray of RedX Pharma commented “We have found the Sistemic approach unique and compelling and we look forward to developing a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them where they will help us with our drug discovery programmes, to bring new treatments faster, cheaper and with more chance of success to the market”.
Sistemic’s primary business is focussed on providing innovative microRNA-based problem-solving services and kit-based products to areas of unmet need within Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology markets and the Cell Therapy community. MicroRNAs are seen as the master controllers of a cell and as such Sistemic believe that they are providing instructive information on effects on a whole cell or organism rather than an isolated pathway. This system approach means that the data produced is more indicative of the biology and more diagnostic of actual effect. Their extensive suite of tools for the Cell Therapy community includes SistemQC™ which is used to characterise cells including stem cells, as well as monitoring the QC of production. In addition, the drug development markets are served through a range of products which include SistemTOX™, SistemKB™ and SistemRNA™.
27th Jan 2011
SLA Launches
The SLA is now up and running. From the 1st January 2011 the Scottish Lifesciences Industry has a new association. This group has been formed from the BIA (Scotland) but now covers medical devices and diagnostics. This new association has been welcomed by the Scottish government and industry.
27th Apr 2011
Scottish Technology Showcase 2011 speakers confirmed
Keynote speakers have now been confirmed for the Scottish Technology Showcase, Scotland's largest, free to attend, cross sector technology event
26th Apr 2011
Scottish firms claim Queen's Awards
Dynamic Scottish life science companies have bagged three of this year's Queen's Awards for Enterprise.
26th Apr 2011
National award to Stirling prostate cancer research team
Research carried out by the University of Stirling, which showed that 83% of men who experienced symptoms of prostate cancer waited over a month before consulting their GP, has won a prestigious award for its work.
21st Apr 2011
Centre for Health Science launches new initiative to help companies achieve their potential
The Centre for Health Science Company is launching new initiatives to help young, ambitious companies in the health and life science sector to realise their business potential in an innovative and supportive environment.
19th Apr 2011
HRH The Princess Royal opens new Centre for Molecular Medicine
HRH The Princess Royal will visit the University of Dundee today (Tuesday 19 April), when she will officially open the new Centre for Molecular Medicine and also visit the College of Life Sciences.
18th Apr 2011
Scottish Co-investment Fund sets example for the UK
Using the Scottish Co-investment Fund as an example, the UK government will provide £50 million funding to business angel investors.
15th Apr 2011
Mystery of fatal lung tumour in sheep starts to unravel
Scientists at Moredun Research Institute have made a significant step forward in their research into an infectious lung cancer of sheep.
14th Apr 2011
Shares gain 3.5 percent at medical firm Omega Diagnostics
Shares in Omega Diagnostics climbed 3.5 percent yesterday after the Clackmannanshire-based medical diagnostics firm said it expected a 27 percent rise in revenue in its forthcoming annual results and added that it expects to grow its Scottish headcount.
13th Apr 2011
Scottish Lifesciences Association appoints Professor David Harrison to the Advisory Board
The Scottish Lifesciences Association has appointed Professor David Harrison to its Advisory Board
12th Apr 2011
3D Diagnostic takes its first bite of Asian market
A Dundee technology company that makes machines for detecting cavities in teeth has signed its first distribution agreement in Asia as it begins to tap into the massive Chinese market.
12th Apr 2011
Mystery of fatal lung tumour in sheep starts to unravel
Scientists at Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh have made a significant step forward in their research into an infectious lung cancer of sheep.
11th Apr 2011
Glasgow Science Centre secures support for new exhibition
Glasgow Science Centre has secured £1.9 million of funding for a brand new exhibition that will open in 2012.
7th Apr 2011
Stirling strain of Nile tilapia is first aquaculture species to have its genome sequenced
Researchers have made a breakthrough in sequencing the complete genome of the Nile tilapia, one of the world's most important cultured food fishes.
6th Apr 2011
Sistemic signs master service agreement with Redx Pharma
Sistemic has signed a master service agreement with Redx Pharma, to provide its SistemRNATM suite of drug development tools, to accelerate Redx Pharma's preclinical development pipeline, of over 250 new drug candidates. This comes on the back of the successful completion of a project which added significant value to one of Redx Pharma's lead programmes whilst providing a significant cost saving. The news follows Sistemic's announcement in February of an 82 percent increase in sales from the same period a year ago.
5th Apr 2011
Scotland has a brand new research 'super institute'
Scotland has a brand new research 'super institute' with the job of tackling some of the world's most challenging problems including the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security.
30th Mar 2011
John A Brown joins the SLA team as Director of Policy
The Scottish Lifesciences Association is delighted to announce the appointment of John A Brown as Director of Policy.
30th Mar 2011
Tissue Solutions joins forces with Nottingham based CompanDX
Clydebank based Tissue Solutions and Nottingham based CompanDX have joined forces in a co-promotion and service agreement to provide clients in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech sectors with an unparalleled opportunity to link the supply of human tissues and biofluids to subsequent biomarker and target identification studies.
30th Mar 2011
Lectureship accolade for Dundee scientist
A University of Dundee researcher has been selected for a prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of toxicology.
24th Mar 2011
Ingenza shows its diversity by securing three Technology Strategy Board bioscience awards
Ingenza Ltd. has recently received funding from the Technology Strategy Board for three new biotechnology projects in the areas of Industrial Biotechnology and the commercial application of high-throughput genome sequencing.
24th Mar 2011
Dysis Medical gets the green light for US sales
Dysis Medical is looking to grab a slice of the $450 million (£281m) American cervical cancer screening market after being given permission to sell its lead product in the United States.
21st Mar 2011
Scotland's life sciences sector to double by 2020
The Life Sciences Advisory Board (LiSAB) has published its refreshed strategy outlining its mission to double the size of the sector in Scotland by 2020.
18th Mar 2011
Human tissue testing in medical and diagnostic device development
Wideblue and Biopta are combining their expertise to offer a medical device product design service using ethically-sourced fresh human tissue for development testing.
18th Mar 2011
Aircraft Medical announces major European marketing and distribution agreements
Aircraft Medical, the medical device manufacturer, has signed multiple distribution contracts in Europe for its revolutionary and low cost McGRATH® MAC video laryngoscope.
16th Mar 2011
Blood manufactured for transfusions
Four Scottish universities are working on a ground-breaking project to manufacture blood for transfusions.