Almac Group has announced the creation of a separate division to be known as Almac Discovery. The new company will be focused exclusively on the discovery and development of novel and innovative approaches to the treatment of cancer and associated conditions, with the goal of developing a biomarker or diagnostic in parallel with each potential new therapeutic. Projects will generally be taken to clinical proof of concept (or earlier) before out-licensing or partnering for further development.
Sir Allen McClay, chairman and founder of the Almac Group, said: “The launch of Almac Discovery is an exciting opportunity to drive forward a dedicated effort towards the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Almac Discovery provides us with the opportunity to build upon the strong research base already established within the academic community of Northern Ireland in the basic biology of cancer, and gives us the chance to make a real and lasting contribution towards the advancement of human health.”
Dr Stephen Barr, managing director at Almac Discovery, said: “This is an exciting time in the field of personalised medicine and the potential benefits of our work are huge.”
Almac Discovery is currently looking to build its internal pipeline through partnerships and in-licensing.
