A Stirling company is on the frontline of the global fight to produce a coronavirus vaccine.
Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, based at Stirling University Innovation Park, has signed a supply agreement with pharmaceutical giant Astrazeneca.
Known as AZD1222, the vaccine will be used in Astrazeneca-sponsored clinical trials currently taking place at a number of UK sites.
The local deal was heralded as “monumental in the global fight against coronavirus” by Stirling Council chief executive Carol
Beattie.
Symbiosis founder Colin MacKay said: “Our team is immensely proud to be able to make a highly meaningful contribution to the global fight against Covid-19 and the urgent efforts to develop a successful vaccine.
“With many years of direct experience manufacturing medicines and vaccines of this nature for clinical trials and commercial markets, we are delighted to be able to leverage our expertise and competitive strengths to accelerate the development of this vaccine for Astrazeneca and to add value to the project.”
Symbiosis, established in 2011, employs 100 staff from its Stirling headquarters. It manufactures pharmaceutical products for clients around the world who are developing medicines to treat cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Symbiosis also has an office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to serve its US clients.
Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer said: “This is fantastic news for Symbiosis and Stirling as a whole.
“Covid-19 has had a global impact and there’s a real sense of pride in having a Stirling business at the forefront of the work to develop a vaccine.
“Stirling Council has long supported innovative businesses like Symbiosis to reach their potential by helping them tap into local talent and infrastructure and we are delighted to see their growth as a local company on the global stage.”
Depute leader Danny Gibson said: “Symbiosis is an excellent example of some of the cutting edge businesses in Stirling and I am delighted to see Colin and his team be given this opportunity.”
Stirling Council chief executive Carol Beattie said: “This is a monumental moment in the global fight against coronavirus and I’m incredibly proud this vaccine will be produced here.”
Scottish trade minister Ivan McKee said: “Symbiosis’ collaboration with Astrazeneca is a great example of how Scotland’s world-leading life sciences sector is working with partners across the globe to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our life science sector has long been at the forefront of innovation and pioneering medical treatments and we will continue to support the industry.”
