Along with CPI, the two pharma giants AstraZeneca and GSK, the local University of Strathclyde and the two government agencies UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Scottish Enterprise are involved in founding the center.

AstraZeneca said it looks forward to “rapidly delivering ground-breaking outputs and putting this manufacturing cluster on the international map.” Other partners that have invested include drugmakers Pfizer, Novartis and Alnylam, business services group PwC and technology leaders Siemens and Applied Materials.

The facility is fully GMP compliant and, CPI said, will take on many of the start-up risks involved in developing drugs, such as fulfilling the regulations for developing new technologies.

“The facility we have built here in Renfrewshire is the first example of a consistent and concerted effort from the pharma industry to collaborate. This will be crucial to unlocking the challenges we’ve faced so far to translate research into tangible benefits that will help address unmet health needs,” said Dave Tudor, CPI’s managing director of medicines manufacturing, biologics and quality.

Tudor said the ​Grand Challenge business model aims to bring key players together to accelerate solutions to some of the core issues seen across the industry. For example, he said, the partners want to see a reduction in waste and the industry’s carbon footprint through better, more efficient manufacturing processes.”

Additionally, the MD said, “We want to drive strong research in areas like cell and gene therapy, RNA and monoclonal antibodies, to bring digital solutions, advanced thinking, advanced technology and advanced supply chain mindsets to help with greater investment and growth in biological manufacture.”

CPI forecasts the center to generate advanced technologies worth £200 million over the first five years, enabling private investment and building next-generation manufacturing assets with the creation of more than 100 high-value jobs.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist