This week saw the official opening of ApconiX’s new lab at Alderley Park. The life science company which specialises in integrated toxicology and ion channel research was founded in 2014 by three former employees of AstraZeneca.
Ruth Roberts, Mike Morton and Richard Knight joined forces in the face of a fast evolving sector which is seeing bio companies externalising their research, funding pressures for universities and innovation by small companies that lack toxicology expertise.
Together they have created a team of world-class experts to ensure that potential new medicines avoid safety and toxicity pitfalls and are safe for patients.
Ruth Roberts, founder said "The biggest reason why drugs fail is due to safety and toxicology. One part of this is around generating and interpreting ion channel data. With the ApconiX team, we have over 150 years of drug discovery, development and ion channel experience to bring a new approach to this problem.’’
Their idea became reality after attending a Bootcamp programme offered by the BioHub, an incubator for new and early-stage life science businesses at Alderley Park.
The opening of the new lab is just the start of the next chapter for the ApconiX team. The team are already focussing on how their lab can be used to support the next generation of scientists find answers to difficult toxicological problems.
Graham Boulnois, Chair of the Medicines Discovery Catapult who officially opened the new lab said "I was delighted to open the ApconiX lab. The work they are doing is crucial to the development of new medicines. With their innovative approach and great team of experts I'm sure they will be a huge success".
Chris Doherty, Site Director for Alderley Park added "ApconiX exemplifies the world class talent here at Alderley Park and we are delighted to see them move into their new laboratory”.
About Apconix
ApconiX brings together a team of dedicated world-class scientists with expertise in all aspects of toxicology. By partnering with other companies, charities, academic institutions and NGOs we help understand safety risks and maximise the potential of drug projects from early discovery through to clinical development, registration, and life cycle management.
About Alderley Park
Alderley Park is part of Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP). MSP is a community of scientists, innovators, investors and entrepreneurs, catalysing the growth of innovative science and technology businesses. We provide the right environments and connections for new ideas to flourish and concepts to become commercial reality. As the UK’s largest science park operator with five sites across the North West, we support the growth of companies across the life sciences, ICT, industrial technology, advanced engineering and digital creative sectors, accommodating everything from single desk start-ups to European HQs.
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For more information visit www.mspl.co.uk/alderleypark.