A new National Biologics Manufacturing Centre is to be located in Darlington, announced the Centre for Process Innovation.
Darlington was chosen for its proximity to universities in the North East, existing pharmaceutical companies and the excellent transport links of the area. David Willets MP, the Minister for Universities and Science, believes the Centre will “significantly increase the UK’s manufacturing capabilities in biologics,” hopefully increasing the chance of life sciences investment.
Biologics, medicines created using biotechnology, account for up to 15% of the current pharmaceutical market, and are doing better than the pharmaceutical sector generally. More than a fifth of all medicines launched worldwide are developed through the use of biotechnology. With this amount likely to grow, the development of the Centre in Darlington is set to give a significant boost to the area and to the UK in general.