Cobra Biologics and Symbiosis granted £1.9 million from Innovate UK

International CDMO of biologics and pharmaceuticals, Cobra Biologics, and CMO specialising in sterile fill finish, Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, have been awarded a collaborative grant of £1.9 million from Innovate UK.

This grant will be used by the companies to establish commercial viral vector manufacturing capabilities within the UK as part of their joint investment project (costing £4.8 million in total). The whole project is aimed at developing world leading capabilities for clinical and commercial production of gene and immunotherapy viral vectors for both drug substance and drug product manufacturing. Additionally, it will support a larger investment in the production capabilities of both companies.

“Cell and gene therapy products are showing tremendous potential in the treatment of patients. The successful development and production of viral vectors to deliver these therapies is critical to the success of these products,” said Peter Coleman, chief executive at Cobra Biologics. “I am looking forward to working closely with Symbiosis to help establish the UK as world leader in this exciting field.”

“We are delighted to be working with Cobra on this project with the aim of developing a UK-based supply chain to both facilitate and accelerate the successful clinical and commercial manufacture of viral vectors,” added Colin MacKay, Chief Executive of Symbiosis. “Our well-established track record in viral vector fill finish for clinical trials positions Symbiosis alongside our partner Cobra in building drug development for shared clients and the UK’s burgeoning capabilities in the field of advanced therapy manufacturing.”

Dr Ian Campbell, Director of Health and Life Sciences, Innovate UK, said: “The UK is at the forefront of research into these new therapies, but there is a global shortage in viral vector manufacturing capacity and we need to act to take advantage of the commercial opportunities. Innovate UK funding for this vital project can help boost this sector and meet the needs of patients in the future.”

“Staffordshire is fast becoming a leading location for innovation and the work that Cobra Biologics does clearly demonstrates this. The company is located at Keele Science and Innovation Park — the county’s flagship site for key sectors like engineering and biomedical industries,” commented Mark Winnington, economic growth leader of Staffordshire County Council. “It is fantastic news that Cobra Biologics’ joint investment project has been awarded this substantial grant from Innovate UK which is testament to the high regard with which the company is held. We are pleased to be home to a global leader in this field.”