Euprotec Secures £165k Corridor Growth Fund Grant

Specialist contract research organisation (CRO), Euprotec, has been awarded £165,000 from the Corridor Growth Fund (CGF) to fuel its expansion plans, as it broadens its anti-infective drug discovery and development capabilities. 

Supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, the £2 million CGF provides grant funding to qualifying applicants, helping to underpin the private sector-led growth of the knowledge economy in Manchester.

The funding will enhance and expand Euprotec’s state-of-the-art microbiology facilities on the Manchester Science Park (MSP). This will allow the company to build upon its bespoke range of R&D services, accelerating the discovery and development of new infectious disease diagnostics, antimicrobial drugs and vaccines.

Euprotec has grown rapidly since its formation in 2008, developing worldwide partnerships with leading pharma and biotech companies as well as government and academic institutions. The grant will provide further support to Euprotec in developing and delivering innovative research solutions to its partners in the strategically vital area of infection.

The government’s chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, has recently described  antimicrobial resistance as a “ticking time-bomb” and suggested that, if we don't take action, then we may all be back in an almost 19th Century environment where infections kill us as a result of routine operations.

As part of Euprotec’s expansion, the company will also continue to build its comprehensive and highly characterised collection of bacteria and fungi, a resource which is critically important to its clients’ research programmes. This strainbank will enable a continued focus on multidrug resistant pathogens, new testing methodologies, and a greater understanding of mechanisms of resistance. 

Lloyd Payne, chief executive of Euprotec, said: “This funding is a boost not only for Euprotec but also for the broader biomedical community based in Manchester and the North West. The investment will enable us to support an even greater number of organisations in the discovery of new anti-infective vaccines and therapies, helping to address the significant challenges and global health issues that have arisen as a result of antimicrobial resistance.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester has an incredibly strong science and research base and building on that is going to be an important element of the city’s growth. This fund should help incentivise businesses to locate in the Corridor area, attracting further jobs and investment.”