A Cambridgeshire-based biotech firm has given a shot in the arm to Dundee’s life sciences cluster after relocating to the city.
Cellexus Limited – a supplier of single use disposable bioreactors used in the cell culture process – decided to move north to tap into Dundee’s reputation as a life sciences hub.
The firm said the existing strong links between private sector biotechnology firms, the NHS and the University of Dundee with its world-renowned life sciences research institutions were all factors in its decision.
The availability of financial support – the company has received equity funding of £250,000 from the Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of national development agency Scottish Enterprise – had also been instrumental.
The company has now established its new base at George Buckman Drive at Camperdown Industrial Estate in Dundee and has plans to expand its product range and widen its customer base.
The firm is headed by executive director and general manager Bob Cumming, a Glasgow University microbiology alumni turned business angel who has taken a number of technology companies to market and founded DNA Research Innovation, a firm that was eventually sold to Invitrogen for £35 million.
“Coming to Dundee has enabled Cellexus to join the vibrant life sciences sector in Scotland and we have been most impressed by the help and assistance we have had from the various departments in Scottish Enterprise,” Mr Cumming said.
Cellexus uses its patented Cellmaker system to produce proteins from bacteria such as yeast, ecoli and algae.
The Cellmaker system uses airlift technology to encourage cell culture – a vital process more commonly done through the use of laboratory shakers and rollers or in large-scale environmental chambers.
Cellexus believes their system is more efficient and cost-efffective than current methods.
More than 30 of its machines have been sold in UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland and USA and the firm is targeting revenues of more than £2 million next year in a market expected to grow by 15% to 20% per annum through to 2021.
Scottish Enterprise will continue to support the company as it grows.
“That Cellexus has chosen to move to Dundee from Cambridgeshire is testament to Scotland’s reputation as the location of choice for life sciences companies,” Julia Brown, SE’s director of life and chemical sciences said.
“Cellexus is an innovative, forward-thinking company and we look forward to continuing to work with them to help them successfully up-scale and explore new markets, driving forward their ambitious growth plan.”