GlaxoSmithKline plans “groundbreaking” research facility

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is planning to build a “groundbreaking” research facility to study gastrointestinal diseases.

The centre will be based Ireland and will involve partnerships with the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) and GSK’s neurology and gastrointestinal (GI) centre of excellence for drug discovery (CEDD).

Researchers will work together to identify new treatments for disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

Jackie Hunter, senior vice-president and head of GSK’s neurology and GI CEDD, commented: “GSK is committed to developing new medicines for the treatment of GI diseases, and is developing a rich pipeline of preclinical candidates within the CEDD.”

“This collaboration is a concrete example of how industry and academia can partner effectively to translate preclinical research into medicines for GI disorders,” she added.

Michael Martin, Ireland’s minister for enterprise, trade and employment, said the 13.7 million euro (9.3 million pounds) research facility would be a “major breakthrough” in the promotion of drug discovery research, building on a strategy to encourage collaboration between companies and academic institutions.

Both GSK and the APC will focus on three research areas: exploratory scientific research, bench-to-bedside medical exploratory studies using known in-house compounds, and drug discovery.

GSK already has a working population of 1,600 based in Ireland, spread across four sites.

Its production facility in Currabinny, County Cork, was formerly a SmithKline Beecham factory.

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