Skating at Granta Park, Cambridge

The Granta Park community was treated to two days of skating last week. The 2000-strong scientific community and their families were invited to take advantage of free skating provided by the MEPC management team.

“As Granta Park is a science park community it is important to host events every once in a while to bring people together and as a management team we thought skating would appeal to a wide range of people. The science park is a picturesque place and looks particularly pretty with the low winter sun across the cricket pitch or at night with a few lights and a large expanse of starry sky.” said Roz Bird Granta Park Marketing Manager

Children from Great Abington Primary School were invited to join the fun on both days. “The children all had a fabulous time and many of the parents commented on what a great opportunity it was for them to try a new activity.” Said Ms Deborah Nicholas Assistant Headteacher Great Abington Primary School.

As the event was free, skaters were asked to make a donation to one of two charities; CAMPOD in aid of specialist equipment for the Cambridge University Department of Pathology and The Wallace Foundation in aid of cancer care.

Granta Park hosts successful agency gathering

Granta Park hosted a successful breakfast event for the agent community on Friday.

Representatives from all the main property agencies in the area met together early Friday morning for a tour of the 130 acre science park which includes the new Granta Park Phase II site offering 330,000 sq ft of outline consent and the 68,000 sq ft Riverside Development due for completion December 19.

The park tour was followed by a full English breakfast and a prize draw. Roz Bird, Granta Park Marketing Manager commented, “It was great to see such a good turn out at the event even though it was an early start. As a newcomer to the local property scene I was glad to have the opportunity to meet everyone and am looking forward to working with them all in the coming months as Granta Park meets the continuing demand for high-quality space in Cambridge.

New 100,000 sq ft Building Launched at Granta Park

MEPC Granta Park, one of the UK’s leading science parks, today saw the launch of a newly refitted research and development facility that has been taken by MedImmune, AstraZeneca’s global biologics unit.

The development of 100,000 sq ft was named after and officially opened by Sir Aaron Klug, who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1982 and whose scientific work has contributed to the company’s success.

MedImmune, which employs almost 400 staff at its Cambridge site, is the largest customer in the MEPC portfolio of eight business and science parks. Since moving to the park in 2001 as Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) the company now known as MedImmune has grown nine fold, now occupying 180,000 sq ft.

Rick de Blaby, chief executive of MEPC, comments: “We have always remained committed to Cambridge and the needs of this specialist community. With developments in the pipeline, including our 68,000 sq ft Riverside Scheme, which is progressing ahead of schedule, and the 40,000 sq ft pre-let for PPD, we perceive continued demand for space in this area.”

John Granger, Managing Director of Granta Park adds: “We are delighted that MedImmune has decided to reinforce its presence at Granta Park by taking a lease of the 100,000 square feet Aaron Klug Building, recognising the advantages of being at the heart of the South Cambridge Technology cluster, in a high-quality environment, future-proofed for expansion.

When Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) took the lease of a single 20,000 square foot laboratory building at Granta Park soon after the start of the new Millennium, no one could have foreseen that eight years later, transformed into MedImmune, it would occupy three buildings with a total floor area of over 180,000 square feet.”

Granta Park, Cambridge is the gold standard in science park design and development. Opened in 1998, the Park is home to leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

Science Park Cambridge UK

New Offices To LET in Cambridge

An exciting new office building development for Granta Park, Cambridge.

Below, architectural visualisations of the new scheme.

Pfizer Launches Global Regenerative Medicine Research Unit at Granta Park

Following Pfizer’s announcement on Friday of the launch of a new research unit known as Pfizer Regenerative Medicine. The Granta Park Managing Director, John Granger, commented, “We are very pleased that Pfizer Regenerative Medicine has chosen Granta Park as its European home and look forward to working with the new team joining the already 2000 strong park community. The Regenerative Medicine staff will be in good company with the likes of MedImmune, PPD, Vernalis, Alizyme and Gilead already in residence. ”

Vernalis appoints new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Vernalis plc today announced two key appointments. Firstly, Ian Garland was named as Chief Executive Officer. It is expected that he will take up his position with the Company in December 2008.

Ian commented “I am very excited to be joining Vernalis which, for a small company, has one of the broadest portfolios of promising and unpartnered drug candidates in the European biotechnology industry. I look forward to working with the Vernalis team to build significant value for shareholders.”

From May 2007 until September 2008, Ian was CEO of Acambis plc, a company focussed on the development of novel vaccines. During this period he oversaw a series of important advances for Acambis including approval by the FDA of its smallpox vaccine, partnering with Sanofi Pasteur on a West Nile vaccine and advancing vaccines against other infectious diseases such as pandemic influenza and clostridium difficile. In April 2008, Acambis was awarded a $425m. biodefence contract with the US Government, and successfully raised £43.4m in a secondary financing. The exceptional progress achieved during this period led to acquisition of Acambis by Sanofi Aventis in September 2008 for £280m.
From 2004 to 2007, Ian served as CFO of Arrow Therapeutics Ltd., a privately-held company engaged in the discovery and development of new anti-viral agents. He oversaw its acquisition by AstraZeneca plc for $150m in February 2007.
From 1999 to 2003, Ian was President and Chief Operating Officer of Celltech Pharmaceuticals Inc., which had a turnover of around $300 million and approximately 1,000 employees, encompassing the US operations of Celltech Group plc. He was responsible for all US activities, including marketing, manufacturing and supply chain management, and US-based development and support functions. During this time, he achieved significant US sales and earnings growth, the approval of two US New Drug Applications, and the divestment of several non-core businesses.
For much of this period Ian reported directly to Peter Fellner, then CEO of Celltech, and now Chairman of Vernalis, and then worked closely with him again whilst Peter served as Chairman of Acambis.
From 1988 to 1995 Ian worked at KPMG, specialising in the pharmaceutical sector, following qualification as a Chartered Accountant.
2

In conjunction with the new CEO appointment, David Mackney (40) is named as Chief Financial Officer, and is expected to join the Company on 1st February 2009.
From February 2008 to the present, David has served as Interim CFO at Acambis plc, working closely with Ian Garland to successfully secure the US biodefence contract and the secondary financing. Prior to this he served as CFO for a private equity-backed technology company.
From January 2002 to May 2005, David served as Group Financial Controller at Shire plc, a FTSE 100 biopharmaceutical company.
From September 1996 to December 2001, he worked as a senior manager in audit and then in transaction services at Arthur Andersen. David is a Chartered Accountant.
Peter Fellner, Chairman, commented:
“I am delighted to welcome Ian Garland, with his exceptional experience and strategic abilities, as our new CEO at Vernalis, following his very successful tenure at Acambis plc.
I am also pleased to welcome David Mackney as Chief Financial Officer. His contribution to the successful development of Acambis, together with his broad previous experience, will be very valuable for Vernalis.”

Laboratories Cambridge

Are you looking for Laboratories in Cambridge? Then why not take a look at what we can offer.
http://www.mepc.com/grantapark/Laboratories_Cambridge.aspx

Good News for Budi-ng Cyclists

Granta Park employees wanting to cycle to work or use a cycle route for the first time, can now sign up to the new journey-sharing website CamShare.co.uk to find a Bike BUDi.

A Bike BUDi is someone who is willing to share a cycle journey with a new cyclist showing them the way and giving them the confidence to try cycling perhaps for the first time in years. If you are uncertain of a route to work, college, or a one off event, a Bike BUDi is just what you need.

And there are fabulous prizes to be won by registering on CamShare as a Bike BUDi before 1 November; all prizes donated by Cambridge cycle shops.

Residents can now find routes to cycle quicker, easier and more sociably thanks to the new journey-sharing website.

The scheme is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and the Cambridgeshire Travel for Work Partnership.

Members of the public can sign up for free on www.camshare.co.uk. The process is simple and anyone can search for others who are cycling the same route. They are then able to make contact through a secure on-line message centre.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Sir Peter Brown, Cabinet Member for the Economy, Environment and Climate Change, said: “I am delighted that CamShare is offering Cambridgeshire residents more choice about how they travel around the County. Tackling climate change is a top priority for the Council and it is increasingly important to encourage travel by more sustainable means including cycling, thus reducing the amount of CO2 emitted.”

Lindsey Rushmore, Travel for Work Partnership Travel Plan Adviser said: “Bike BUDi’s are a great idea! They help cyclists find the shortest and safest routes to travel. In bringing experienced cyclists and those unfamiliar with routes together, CamShare is able to offer even more travel choice than before.”

Further information can be found by loggin on to www.camshare.co.uk. or contacting Travel for Work on 01223 712429.

Vernalis Drug Trial Milestone

Vernalis plc and Servier, France’s largest privately-owned pharmaceutical company, today announce that they have achieved the first milestone in their three-year oncology drug discovery collaboration initiated in May 2007. The milestone gives rise to a payment of €500,000 from Servier to Vernalis and marks the solving of the novel crystal structure of an undisclosed oncology target.

The joint research programme, in which Servier provides funding for Vernalis’ scientists, applies Vernalis' proprietary structure-based discovery capabilities to two promising oncology targets involved in protein-protein interactions. The research combines fragment-based discovery, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic technologies to rapidly generate and advance novel small molecule inhibitors. The methods provide detailed information on how these compounds bind to the targets and provide a basis for structure-guided medicinal chemistry.

“This milestone provides further demonstration of the power of Vernalis’ suite of discovery platforms to elucidate the structure of challenging drug targets”, commented Peter Fellner, Vernalis’ Executive Chairman. “We look forward to progressing the collaboration with Servier further to develop exciting new cancer therapies”.

MedImmune inaugurates Aaron Klug Building in Cambridge, UK

The Aaron Klug Building is a major expansion of the company's existing Granta Park site; it contains state-of-the-art laboratories, cements the region as a major R&D centre, provides additional laboratory space for growing scientific staff in Cambridge
View the full stories here:
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1950939/
http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=52615
http://www.pipelinereview.com/content/view/22685/116/

i10 secures funding to help East of England businesses go low carbon

i10 has been awarded £192,000 of European Regional Development

Fund (ERDF) money by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) as part of an innovative low carbon knowledge transfer project across the East of England.

The ERDF funding will enable i10 and its partners to improve the links between academic expertise and regional businesses wishing to develop commercially important low carbon technologies, reduce their carbon footprint or create a sustainable low carbon business strategy.

As a result of the funding, i10 is due to launch a groundbreaking ‘Low Carbon
Voucher’ scheme, whereby regional businesses can benefit from a £1,000 voucher which will pay for two days’ low carbon consultancy with a relevant i10 university.

Ralph Ecclestone, Project Manager of i10, said: “Securing the ERDF funding is
fantastic news for businesses of all sizes and sectors who are faced with the
challenge of stimulating low carbon economic growth. Our aim is to connect
businesses with the relevant universities and together they will be able to develop effective solutions to help position our region as a leader in low carbon initiatives.”

David Morrall, Director, International at EEDA, said: “EEDA is absolutely committed to creating the conditions where businesses can thrive in the low carbon economy.

It is not an option to ignore the challenges faced by climate change and the
economic opportunities available in new markets are huge compared to the cost of mitigation. The East of England is however extremely well positioned to exploit the benefits of a worldwide shift to a lower carbon economy, with a vibrant business sector focused on environmental technologies. It is therefore vital that we invest in this competitive advantage.”

i10 is urging businesses to think about their low carbon needs and to apply to the scheme if any of the issues below are relevant to their business:

· A need to increase profitability through low carbon efficiency
· Developing new low carbon technologies, products and services
· Creating sustainable business strategies
· Engaging consultancy, technical advice and R&D focusing on low carbon
· Keeping the business lean, mean and green
· Bringing ideas to market
· Reducing carbon footprint

The voucher scheme was launched on Friday 19 September and from this date businesses can apply via the website www.i10.org.uk/lowcarbon, talk to an i10
Business Development Manager on 0845 234 2314 or via email lowcarbon@i10.org.uk.

Alizyme plc receives a US$3 million milestone payment from Takeda Pharmaceutical

Alizyme plc receives a US$3 million milestone payment from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) as a result of Takeda’s decision to commence a Phase III clinical trial in Japan of cetilistat for the treatment of obesity.

Takeda has completed a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, dose ranging, Phase II study in approximately 450 diabetic obese patients with other obesity related diseases, performed in Japan. Patients received one of four doses of cetilistat or placebo for 6 months. Following positive results from this Phase II study, Takeda has decided to commence Phase III development of cetilistat in Japan. This triggers a milestone payment of US$3 million to Alizyme under the licence and development agreement between Takeda and Alizyme.

In August 2003, Alizyme granted exclusive rights to Takeda to develop, manufacture and market cetilistat in Japan for the treatment of obesity and its associated conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Following receipt of the current milestone of US$3 million, Alizyme will have received four payments under this agreement, totalling US$10 million. In addition, Alizyme may receive further payments of up to US$32 million dependent on future milestones and other events, including continuing successful development and commercialisation of cetilistat by Takeda in Japan. Takeda is responsible for all development and commercialisation costs in Japan and payment of royalties to Alizyme on future sales in Japan.

Tim McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer, Alizyme plc, commented:

“Takeda’s decision to commence Phase III development of cetilistat in Japan is a key milestone in the progress of this product. The Phase II results not only support Alizyme’s conclusions from its own studies in Europe, but also demonstrate that the weight reducing efficacy of cetilistat and its impact on other parameters of diabetes and metabolic syndrome continue to at least 6 months. Our working relationship with Takeda over the past five years has been excellent and we look forward to continuing to work together as cetilistat is progressed through Phase III development in Japan and on to commercialisation of this exciting product.”

40,000 sq ft development well underway at Granta Park

Construction started in June on PPD’s latest phase of development at Granta Park and 55 % of the steel frame is already complete. “Progress on the steel frame has been excellent. Approximately 55% has now been erected and the metal decking work has commenced.” Said Chris Travers Project Manager for Mace the construction managers on site working for Granta Park.

The 40,000 sq ft development completes the next stage in the growth of PPD’s campus-style facility at Granta Park. PPD moved to Granta Park in 2002 taking 28,500 sq ft in its first pre let. The first expansion, called “PPD Phase II,” was completed in 2005 and added 22,000 sq ft. The expansion will be completed by autumn 2009 and will include office areas and a training suite. Once complete, PPD will occupy 90,000 sq ft at the Cambridge facility.

“We are very pleased with the progress of the PPD building and with 330,000 sq ft of outline consent on Granta Park Phase II we are looking to attract other high-tech companies who would benefit from our good practice approach.” Commented John Granger, Granta Park Managing Director.

From above

See how Granta Park is progressing from above:

Granta joins the social network revolution

Granta Park has set up a facebook page. Hopefully this will develop over the coming months to provide a resource of information for what’s happening on the science park here in Cambridge

Click to view our page

Also live on BT's Trade Space

http://grantapark-scienceparkcambridge.bttradespace.com/

Offices and Laboratories To Let/Rent Cambridge

Granta Park Science Park Cambridge currently has a number of new office and laboratory developments underway that will provide office and laboratory space. For futher information click the link below:
Offices & Laboratory To Let/Rent Cambridge

Vernalis Announcement of Interim results

In the first half of 2008, Vernalis implemented a major change in its business strategy and is now focused on pursuing its R&D programmes up to and including proof of concept clinical studies whilst seeking partnerships for later-phase clinical development and commercialisation. Vernalis has completed a major restructuring to provide a stable financial platform for this R&D based strategy. Vernalis also today announces the successful completion of a Phase IIa study with V10153, a potential treatment for ischaemic stroke.

Peter Fellner, Executive Chairman, Vernalis commented, “In the first half of 2008, we have completed the restructuring of Vernalis, as planned and on schedule. The divestment of Apokyn® and the US operations together with utilisation of frovatriptan revenues to raise cash and cancel debt has strengthened the balance sheet and provided the financial platform to invest in our product pipeline and discovery programmes. I am also very pleased to announce today that we have successfully completed our Phase IIa ischaemic stroke study with V10153, and have identified a safe dose to take through to efficacy studies next year in this very underserved market. ”

MRC Showcase – Vaccines and Immunotherapies

MRC-funded researchers and industry showcase attendees have the opportunity to apply for collaborative grants from the Pilot Industry Award Scheme, for which a budget of £3 million has been committed for 2007/08.

The aim of MRC showcases is to encourage collaboration between MRC scientists and industry.

An early bird discount applies if you register before 31/08/08 – ONLY £500 (Normally £750). Simply visit http://www.mrcshowcases.org/industry-registration.html to register and the discount will automatically be applied.

Full details and the outline programme can be found on the Showcases website at www.mrcshowcases.org

For more information on how your company can benefit please read the PDF brochure http://www.mrcshowcases.org/MRC_vaccines_immunotherapies_showcase_industry_leaflet.pdf or contact Ranmali Nawaratne on 020 7291 5304 or rnawaratne@tech.mrc.ac.uk

Eco excellence down by the Riverside for Granta Park

A report on the recycling of waste during the construction of the Riverside development at Granta Park, Cambridge shows that over the last six months between 74% and 91% of all waste generated has been recycled, which is approximately double the industry expectation.

“MEPC take the sustainability agenda very seriously so we are delighted that our construction management partners Mace Ltd are exceeding industry expectations.” Said Roz Bird, Marketing Manager.

The Riverside development on Granta Park Science Park is progressing ahead of schedule and interest in the three buildings remains high. The development offers flexible accommodation including offices and laboratories to let/rent for small and medium-sized companies looking for 2,500 sq ft – 68,000 sq ft.

The three buildings, set around a courtyard next to the River Granta with views of the meadow and Great Abington church, are being constructed simultaneously and are due for completion in early December. Current activity on site includes the fitting of the feature curtain walling to the entrance’s of Building A & B and inside, finishes are progressing on all floors with plastering, lighting & heating systems being installed and raised floor installation commencing.

The courtyard area in front of the Riverside science park development is currently being cleared in anticipation of the start of works which will include disabled and visitor parking, access roads and landscaped areas.

Just a snap shot of the offices and laboratories to let /rent at Granta Park

Granta Park Science Park

To introduce us to the blogspot I will just tell you a little about us....Granta Park, Cambridge is a leading science park in the heart of the Cambridgeshire's high-technology cluster.

The science park is set within over 130 acres of landscaping alongside the River Granta, the science park provides laboratories to let and offices to let on flexible lease terms.

At Granta Park we strive to continually improve the environment in which our customers work. We not only aim to raise the quality of our real estate offer and extend the life and value of our buildings, but also to provide a range of amenities at Granta Park to make it more than just a workplace. It's all part of our belief in creating a genuine sense of community, where people can meet and have easy access to quality amenities that enhance their working day.