UCB receives AMSCI funding for biologics development

UCB has received funding for the development of new biologic therapies from the British government as part of a biotech consortium.

The company made a joint bid with five other UK-based organisations that has been selected as a recipient of funding via the government's Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).

A 6.2 million pound grant will be made available from the government, with the consortium's members – including UCB, Lonza Biologics, the Centre for Process Innovation, Sphere Fluidics, Horizon Discovery and Alcyomics – also making contributions.

The money will be used to support research into methods of increasing the efficiency, speed and quality of antibody discovery and manufacturing.

Ismail Kola, executive vice-president and president for UCB NewMedicines, said: "We are thrilled to receive backing for a project that has the potential to transform the way biologics are brought to market."

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on serious diseases, with operations in around 40 countries.