Granta Park Hosts International Investment Delegates

Granta Park was one of the venues for a two day visit of overseas inward investment officers from 11 countries to the Eastern region earlier this month.

Organised and hosted by East of England International (EEI) the visit was to showcase strengths in life sciences across the region, with 20 visitors from countries including China, India, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, USA, France, Spain, Denmark, Estonia and Germany. The delegation were visiting the science park for a panel discussion on regenerative medicine, which was chaired by Richard Archer. It was attended by the cream of the UK’s regenerative medicine experts, including Dr Tim Allsopp from Pfizer Regenerative Medicine, Dr Greg McGarrell, CEO of MedCell, Dr Iphigenie Charatsi from the UK Stem Cell Bank, Professor Ruth Cameron of the Cambridge Centre for Medical Materials, Dr Rowan Gardner, Chairman of BioLauncher, Dr Julian Hitchcock, Director of EESCN and leading UK stem cell lawyer at Field Fisher Waterhouse, Professor Roger Pedersen, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Dr David Newble, CEO of The Automation Partnership.

Nykki Rogers, Life Sciences Business Development Manager for EEI said: “Granta Park was an ideal setting for our seminar and part of our aim of showcasing the East of England as the centre of excellence that it is. The networking facility in the Riverside development is in a beautiful setting, is very spacious and has all the facilities you could need for a meeting or seminar. It’s great that they’re using it for free seminars for the entire community.”

The group was in the UK on a tour organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), and visited only a select few regions, kicked off by the East of England. Early feedback indicates that already new collaborations are being discussed as a result of the visit.

To discuss using the meeting facilities at Granta Park please contact Roz Bird on 01223 895031 rbird@mepc.com.

PPD Completes Acquisition of Excel PharmaStudies

PPD, Inc. has announced it has completed its acquisition of Excel PharmaStudies, Inc., the market leader and one of the largest contract research organizations in China. The acquisition strengthens PPD's full range of drug development services in the country and positions it to capitalize on the tremendous growth of the outsourcing market in Asia Pacific.

The acquisition significantly increases PPD's employee and client base in the region. Excel has more than 300 employees in China, and PPD now employs more than 750 professionals in Asia Pacific.

With this acquisition, PPD has expanded its capability to offer Phase II-IV clinical management, data management, biostatistics, regulatory and quality assurance services under a variety of operating models, ranging from functional to full service. This combination of Excel and PPD creates one of the largest CROs operating in China, a country that offers vast populations of potential patients, fast patient recruitment and large centralized hospitals. Excel will continue to operate under its brand with full access to PPD's global resources, clients and expertise.

"China is a strong, emerging area for clinical research as evidenced by its 21 percent compounded annual growth rate over the past five years," said David Grange, chief executive officer of PPD. "Excel brings an expansive range of services, broad client base and deep regulatory experience, which provide PPD additional capacity and expertise in this growing region." Grange added, "We look forward to sharing more about our expanded presence in Asia Pacific at the CHINATRIALS conference next week."

PPD is the platinum sponsor at CHINATRIALS 2009, the largest clinical development event in China, being held November 8-10 in Beijing. Simon Britton, PPD's vice president of clinical development for Asia Pacific, will present at the conference on creating the best clinical strategy for China and East Asia. His presentation is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 11:10 a.m. UCT.

Founded in 2000, Excel provides a comprehensive range of Phase II-IV clinical services, including regulatory affairs, patient recruitment, protocol design, feasibility studies, good clinical practice training and program management. Excel has worked with many of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies from more than 15 cities throughout China and also operates a vaccine research center and biometrics center, which will bolster PPD's global expertise in this growing therapeutic area. Earlier this year, PPD significantly expanded its biologics and vaccines testing capabilities when it acquired a vaccine testing lab in Wayne, Penn., from Merck & Co., Inc.

PPD opened its Beijing office in 2003, where it provides a broad range of clinical development services. In 2008, it expanded its global central lab services into China through an exclusive agreement with Peking Union Lawke Biomedical Development Limited (PUL). In addition to Beijing and Hong Kong, PPD has offices in India, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea and Japan and expanded its global central laboratory operations into Singapore this year.

PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing discovery, development and post-approval services as well as compound partnering programs. Our clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations. With offices in 38 countries and more than 10,000 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a commitment to quality to help its clients and partners maximize returns on their R&D investments and accelerate the delivery of safe and effective therapeutics to patients. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.ppdi.com.

Science Park Cambridge - http://www.mepc.com/grantapark

Office Let at Granta Riverside Development!

Granta Park has let the first unit in its new Riverside development of smaller offices and R & D units to Colonix Medical, which researches and develops new products for the early and accurate detection of bowel disorders.

The company has taken 2640 sq ft on a five year term, moving from Babraham Research Campus, where it will still keep a research unit. Says Colonix Managing Director Hugo Lywood : “Babraham has suited us well for the last four years while we have been in research, but now that we are close to commercialisation our needs have changed and Granta Park exactly meets those needs.”

Colonix will have half a floor in Riverside, which is an open space ready for a bespoke fit out. “This will allow us to have it exactly as we want it,” adds Hugo. “This will suit us for the next three years and then we will have the opportunity to expand at Granta Park. With most of our staff coming from south Cambridge – and they were unanimous about moving to Granta Park - it’s also a very good location.”

The deal was handled by Jeffersons Commercial, who are seeing a lot of interest in the development: “We are talking to a number of companies and had quite a few viewings,” said Jeffersons’ Will Mooney. “It’s a unique opportunity to be in an environment purpose built for smaller companies and having many advantages such as sports and social programme, meeting facilities, cafe, restaurant, nursery, fitness suite, commuter bus and 24 hour security normally associated with larger companies.”

To find out more about opportunities at the Riverside contact Will Mooney on 01223 315716 wkm@j-commercial.co.uk.

MedImmune holds Environment Day

An Environment Day was held by MedImmune recently to help make staff more conscious of their eco footprint at work, home and travelling.

Held in the Aaron Klug building foyer, the event combined the serious with fun events to create a memorable day. Posters about how to be more green and MedImmune’s endeavours to reduce the impact on its environment were displayed in the foyer and company’s main recycling contractor, Donarbon, supplied information on composting and how waste is recycled. Pipette tip box recycling providers Anachem also provided information and advice on their process of recycling the tip boxes and their other activities to help protect the environment.
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A big attraction of the day was Honda’s marquee with two hybrid cars, one for show and the other for staff to take out for a test drive at 20 minute intervals, which many people took advantage of. Staff were also encouraged to sign up to Camshare, a local car share scheme that is supported by Granta Park. The web-based scheme at www.camshare.info allows people to easily and securely make contact with other drivers. Participants on the day were also encouraged to think about buddying up with other cyclists.

Baxter Storey, MedImmune’s catering contractors, produced a menu of locally sourced food, as well as information on how the company became certified as carbon neutral in 2006 for offsetting 678 tonnes of C02 from head office. Mars also attended, giving out beverages made from sustainable and fair trade ingredients.

Staff could also watch a film called Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, which highlights the treasures of planet Earth and the marks that humans leave behind. The film has breathtaking aerial views from more than 50 countries and showing the extent of human impact on our landscapes. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU to watch the film.

Staff who took part in one or more of the events were able to enter a raffle to win some excellent environmentally themed prizes, including a luxury home recycling triple bin, solar powered back pack to charge various gadgets using the sun and organic food hampers.

Staff get tips for healthy living

There was a healthy turnout for a lunch time event focussing on diet and fitness this month, hosted by Jez from Pinnacle Fitness.
Around 60 attended the Healthy Eating and Living Event at the Cricket Pavilion, at which staff were able to find out about managing calorie intake, the difference between food groups and pick up some useful tips for healthy eating. To emphasise the importance of healthy eating Jez displayed some common foods such as cereals, cereal bars, chocolate, fizzy drink, crisps, mayonnaise and next to each one put a small jar filled with the amount of sugar and fat that each food contained. Staff were then able to see the healthy alternatives, which were displayed on a separate table.

Everyone went away with a list of tips that will allow them to change their eating habits and a number of people expressed an interest in joining the fitness suite.

Says Jez: “The aim was to put across the healthy eating message, but not in a preachy way. Staff were able to see for themselves what damage many common foods can do and how easy it is to make a difference. And I’m all for letting people having a few treats – but only one day a week!”

Scientific Poster Event

Granta Park based science companies MedImmune and Pfizer are inviting companies and individuals to present their research and ideas at a Scientific Poster Event on 26 November.

Held at Granta Park’s new meeting facilities at its Riverside development, 50 posters will be chosen for the event to show alongside posters from MedImmune and Pfizer. It will take place from 2pm and will be attended by the Granta Park scientific community.

Says Granta Park’s Marketing and Asset Manager Roz Bird: “This event is an excellent opportunity for networking within the science community. Those attending will be able to share ideas and also find out about MedImmune and Pfizer’s current activities.”

A scientific poster is a way of presenting an idea or research within a poster format that can be used as a standalone presentation at an exhibition or as part of a presentation.

Abstracts should be sent to Kathryn Jones by 5pm on 30 October at the Estate Office, McClintock Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6GPTel: 01223 893710, Fax: 01223 893711, kjones@mepc.com

Please download the abstract submission form PDF (141kb)

Offices Let Cambridge | Riverside Cambridge

Granta Park has let the first unit in its new Riverside development of smaller offices and R & D units to Colonix Medical, which researches and develops new products for the early and accurate detection of bowel disorders.

The company has taken 2640 sq ft on a five year term, moving from Babraham Research Campus, where it will still keep a research unit. Says Colonix Managing Director Hugo Lywood : “Babraham has suited us well for the last four years while we have been in research, but now that we are close to commercialisation our needs have changed and Granta Park exactly meets those needs.”

Colonix will have half a floor in Riverside, which is an open space ready for a bespoke fit out. “This will allow us to have it exactly as we want it,” adds Hugo. “This will suit us for the next three years and then we will have the opportunity to expand at Granta Park. With most of our staff coming from south Cambridge – and they were unanimous about moving to Granta Park - it’s also a very good location.”

The deal was handled by Jeffersons Commercial, who are seeing a lot of interest in the development: “We are talking to a number of companies and had quite a few viewings,” said Jeffersons’ Will Mooney. “It’s a unique opportunity to be in an environment purpose built for smaller companies and having many advantages such as sports and social programme, meeting facilities, cafe, restaurant, nursery, fitness suite, commuter bus and 24 hour security normally associated with larger companies.”

To find out more about opportunities at the Riverside contact Will Mooney on 01223 315716 wkm@j-commercial.co.uk.

Offices to Rent Cambridge

MedImmune shortlisted for top science park award

MedImmune shortlisted for top science park award

MedImmune, the biotechnology company based at Granta Park, has been shortlisted for the award for the most successful company on a science park.
Run by UKSPA (the UK Science Park Association) the award recognises companies that have demonstrated innovative thinking, the development of new technology, product or process, application of funding, exploitation of new markets and the creation of employment opportunities.
The company was nominated for the award by Roz Bird, Marketing and Asset Manager of Granta Park, and is just one of three companies selected for the shortlist. Says Roz: “MedImmune epitomises just what this award is about. In just eight years at Granta Park it has expanded from 20,000 sq ft of lab space to more than 180,000 sq ft of lab and office buildings. They also now employ 400 staff here.”
Says Jon Green, Vice President Business Operations , MedImmune: “Being at Granta Park has been a big part of our success, demonstrating how locating our operation in a well designed, well run science park can help us attract and retain the very best scientists and staff and be part of a vibrant, creative science community.”
The winner will be announced at an awards dinner at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Manchester on 17 September.

Offices To Let / Rent

MEPC business parks and science parks are located throughout the UK and currenlty have a number of offices to let/rent. If you're look for office space then click on the link and see if we have the ideal office for your needs.

Offices To Let / Rent

Vernalis and GlaxoSmithKline enter into a collaboration

Vernalis plc (LSE: VER) today announces that it has entered into an exclusive collaboration, option and license agreement with GlaxoSmithKline relating to a Vernalis research programme against an undisclosed oncology target. During the research phase Vernalis will continue to apply its expertise in Structure Based Drug Design (SBDD) technologies to progress novel development candidates against the target.

The deal is structured as a risk-sharing agreement, with Vernalis responsible for drug discovery activities and GSK for pre-clinical development. Upon IND filing, GSK will have the option to license all collaboration compounds and if this is exercised, will then be responsible for all future development and commercialisation activities.

Under the terms of the deal Vernalis will receive $6 million upon signing (including a $3 million equity subscription by GSK for 2,040,542 new ordinary shares in Vernalis at a subscription price of 87 pence per share) and is eligible to earn up-front and potential milestone payments in excess of $200 million and up to double digit royalties based on worldwide sales of an oncology product. Further milestones and royalties could be earned should products against the target be developed for indications outside of oncology.

“Earlier this year we set ourselves the goal of securing research collaborations to fund a substantial proportion of our research activities. In May we announced a second collaboration with Servier and today we are delighted to announce this licensing agreement with GSK,” said Ian Garland, Chief Executive Officer. “The risk sharing structure of today’s deal allows us to achieve our research funding goal but to also retain a significant upside from successful development of this novel Vernalis oncology programme. We are delighted to be working alongside GSK and to have another world leading pharmaceutical company endorse our technology and the quality of our work.”

Summer cheer - Agents' Party at Granta Park

The Granta Park ‘surf and turf’ barbeque at the new Riverside development went down a storm! Quite literally thunder and lightning moved the crowd in doors to take shelter and make use of the shiny new reception of number 2 Riverside. But rain did not stop play. Guests received a tour of the new 68,000 sq ft facilities available to let and suitable for any high-tech company looking to grow or to stream line their business.

“This is the second time we have hosted this sort of event for Agents here at Granta Park in the last 12 months. We’re obviously keen to get everyone here to keep them up to date but more than that it really is great to see everyone together having a good catch-up.” John Granger, Managing Director, Granta Park.

As well as the tour and a lovely barbeque there was a chance of winning several luxury prizes including dinner at Hotel du Vin. Those making use of the free bar were able to take the Granta Park commuter bus into the city centre at which point the sun began to shine again. A good time was had by all!

Headquarters Cambridge To Let/Rent

Are you looking for a Headquarters style office building in the Cambridge area? Do you need flexable office space that can grow with your business? Do you want to relocate to a science park that currently host some of the science and technology sectors top headquarters? if so then Granta Park could be your ideal location:

Headquarters Cambridge

Cambridgeshire Offices

Suite 2, The McClintock Building

The McClintock building is lake-side and situated in the heart of Granta Park. Suite 2 has easterly views across the lake looking on to Riverside.

We currently have a ground floor office available within the building offering approx 1090 sq ft of prime office accomodation.

Cambridshire Offices

Small/ Cheap Offices To Let Cambridge

New, attractive, flexible buildings.

• Small offices and laboratory styles available to let (rent)
  
• Suitable for small to medium-sized companies of 10 people or more.
• Short and medium term leases available on a multi-occupancy basis.
• Access to full package of amenities including commuter bus from Cambridge city centre, nursery, gym, café and restaurant.

Set within an area of mature woodland along side the River Granta with views of the village of Great Abington and Great Abington church.

The Riverside scheme will comprise three offices buildings, each of three floors, around an open courtyard.

The office development will provide 68,000 sq ft of net internal area with approximately 300 car parking space including parking for visitors. All building can be sub divided to provide smaller offices to let/rent

For more information Click - Offices To Let/Rent Cambridge

John Granger
Managing Director
01223 893 710
jgranger@mepc.com

Roz Bird
Marketing Manager
01223 895 031
rbird@mepc.com

or contact our joint agents:

Nick Short or Ben Cullen at Cushman and Wakefield on 0207 935 5000

Howard Westgate or Will Mooney at Jeffersons Commercial on 01223 315716

Flexible accomodation available in the Riverside

Riverside is made up three flexible buildings comprising of office and laboratory space. Riverside sits on the banks of the River Granta, which lead to 'The Backs'. Riverside must be seen to be belived! With uninterrupted views over the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside each of the three buildings that make up Riverside can boast truly stunning views.

Offices to let

Vernalis and Servier new 3-year Collaboration

Vernalis plc (LSE: VER) and Servier, France’s largest privately-owned pharmaceutical company, today announced that they have signed a new three-year joint oncology collaboration, focused on the discovery of drugs for a new target.
Under the terms of the collaboration which uses Vernalis’ proprietary fragment and structure-based drug discovery platform on this undisclosed cancer target, Vernalis will receive fees and a share in the downstream success of the product in the form of milestones and royalties on sales, the terms of which are not disclosed. Vernalis and Servier already have an existing collaborative agreement to develop two promising oncology targets involved in protein-protein interactions.
Ian Garland, CEO of Vernalis, commented: “This latest collaboration with Servier confirms our excellent working relationship and Servier’s recognition of the quality of our fragment and structure-based drug discovery platform. We are currently using this platform to progress two promising oncology targets involved in protein-protein interactions under our existing collaboration, as well as a number of our own internal research programmes. “
Emmanuel Canet, MD, PhD, President Servier Research and Development, added : “We are benefiting significantly from our existing relationship with Vernalis as part of our strategy to increase our efforts in the development of novel anti-cancer therapeutic approaches. This new collaboration will further expedite the discovery of innovative compounds with potential use in therapeutic indications with high unmet medical need”
“Cancer represents a major cause of mortality worldwide and Servier is committed to providing patients with novel therapeutic approaches for treating these devastating diseases. We are confident that this new collaboration with Vernalis will further complement our research activities and help us to reach our objectives” added Bernard Marchand, PhD, General Manager of Servier Research.

Granta Science Park looks to the future

Friends and colleagues were invited to preview the new creative work which will be used to promote the science park locally and globally. Many of those who came had taken part in the initial research at the beginning of the year.

The event took place in the new Riverside Development marketing suite. With units from 2,650 sq ft this will be the venue of choice for small to medium-sized companies who value being part of the Cambridge high-tech community.

John Granger commented; “This day marks the start of the future of Granta Park. With the completion of the Riverside Development and planning consent for a further 330,000 sq ft we are in great shape to serve the requirements of the Cambridge scientific community.”

He continued, “The work we have undertaken to review our brand strategy is hugely important because it provides the foundations for Granta Park’s future. It has been a time of recognising what we do well and the things we could do to raise our game. Look out for our new advertising, visit the new-look home page of our website at GrantaPark.com and look out for the stunning new Granta Park commuter bus!”

On a lovely sunny day guests lingered to chat and admire the views across the River Granta - a real selling point.

Pictured from left to right: Derek Jones Chief Executive of Babraham BioScience Technologies Ltd; Peter Victor International Liaison for Cushman and Wakefield; John Granger Managing Director of Granta Park; Nikki Rogers Inward Investment Life Sciences for East of England International and, Harriet Fear Chief Executive of ERBI.

A new look - http://www.mepc.com/grantapark

If you haven't visted the our main website in a while then a take look... we have given the site a bit of a facelift adding updated and new information. Click below to take a look at how our science park is evolving: Science Park Cambridge

Red Gate wins award sponsored by Granta Park

Red Gate was founded by Simon Galbraith and Neil Davidson and has become one of the fastest growing tech frirms in the UK.

In 2006 the company was nominated in the Excellence Awards for Small Business of the Year, but Neil and Simon so impressed the judges, they put the company in the running for the big one, Business of the Year, and Red Gate won, beating off competition from much larger firms.

Last year Red Gate really pushed the boat out, with Neil taking the entire workforce of 110 on a magical mystery shopping expedition which ended up in the new Apple store in the Grand Arcade, where every member of staff was given £300 tax paid to buy themselves a present.

This was to celebrate the company hitting its five-year stated target of $2m sales in a single month.

Simon nominated Neil for Businessman of the Year, because not only has Neil maintained a full-on position within Red Gate, but he is also playing a major role in promoting Cambridge as a world class centre of excellence.

He was prime mover in starting the prestigeous Cambridge Lectures last year, bringing international speakers to the city, and he has just taken over as chairman of Cambridge Network, where he plans to use the organisation to lift the Cambridge game on the world stage.

"When Red Gate won Business of the Year it was a huge benefit to us, opened doors," Neil told the judges. "I see this as similar and i would use it to try and get organisations in Cambridge working better together.

"I want to encourage the start-ups to stay in Cambridge, to give them the chance to discuss things with people who have helped us to grow. Why shouldn't there be 100 companies like Red Gate in Cambridge."

Pictured: John Granger of Granta Park and Kate Adie presenting the award to Neil Davidson of Red Gate Software.

A message from the MEPC chief executive: Rick de Blaby

Good News For Vernalis

Biogen Idec reports favourable data from Phase IIa Parkinson’s Disease studies licensed from Vernalis

Vernalis plc today announced that Biogen Idec presented headline data at its 25 March 2009 R&D Day from two Phase IIa studies of BIIB014 (also known as V2006), an oral compound for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

In a press release, Biogen Idec announced that interim results from these Phase IIa studies of BIIB014 were favorable and support continued development of BIIB014 in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Biogen Idec also announced that it is currently in discussion with regulators surrounding the design of a registration program of BIIB014 in this patient population. In a presentation at its R&D Day, Biogen Idec reported that BIIB014 was well tolerated and showed dose dependent clinically relevant effects in patients with both early and late stage Parkinson’s disease.

In June 2004, Vernalis entered into an agreement with Biogen Idec to develop and commercialise BIIB014. Biogen Idec is conducting and funding future development and will pay milestones and royalties on the successful development and commercialisation of the product.

BIIB014 is a once-daily oral adenosine A2A receptor antagonist that may offer a non-dopaminergic therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Ian Garland, CEO of Vernalis commented:
“We are delighted that Biogen Idec has announced favourable Phase IIa data for BIIB014 and that these data support continued development of this novel compound as a treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease. I am pleased that this compound, discovered by Vernalis, has the potential to be a novel, non-dopaminergic treatment option for the very many people with Parkinson’s disease. “

Getting fit with an Apple!

We are pleased to announce that the winners of the Fitness Suite prize draw for two Apple iPod V3 2GB Shuffles were from PPD and Gilead.

Following a two month campaign to encourage increased membership; all existing and new members were entered into the draw for the two Apple iPod’s- a necessary accessory for gym members who like to train on their own using equipment such as the running machines and bikes.

For those who prefer fitness classes the “Cool Bull” workout first thing on a Monday morning will blow the cobwebs away and set you up for the week ahead and, Jez’s fit-ball classes on Tuesday and Thursday lunch times will ensure you work your core!

For £23.00 a month what do you have to loose except a size or two on that swim wear?! If you start now you really will look fantastic on the beach this summer even if it is North Norfolk rather than the Costa del Sol!

Pictured one of the lucky winners receiving his prize from John Granger, Granta Park Managing Director.

Offices To Let/Rent Cambridge

A new office building on our Cambridge science park ready to be built and To Let/Rent.

The Perkin building is a stylish office development at the heart of this prestigious science park offering superb views across the Granta Park cricket pitch. With detailed planning consent the building could be ready for occupation within 18 months.

Offices To Let/Rent Cambridge

Granta Park’s Travel to Work Survey Winner!

Nicola Claydon, Commercial Team Manager at TWI, is the lucky winner of the Granta Park Travel for Work prize draw.

Pictured here collecting a £100 John Lewis voucher Nicola, who is also the Chair of TWI’s Sports and Social Club, says that she often drives to work but, only living in Sawston, she likes to cycle in the summer. She was pleased to hear that the proposed cycle path linking Granta Park with Babraham, Sawston and Cambridge city centre has been approved as this will make cycling to work even easier.

If you would like to find out more about all the travel for work options offered by Granta Park then click on the Travel tab in the top menu on the Granta Park website. As well as a free Granta Park commuter bus there is a free car sharing scheme and, the public bus which runs from Drummer Street to Great Abington from 7.30am to 10.30pm now has real time information.

Pictured: left to right Roz Bird, Granta Park and Nicola Claydon, TWI.

PPD to Acquire AbCRO

PPD, Inc. has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire AbC.R.O., Inc. (AbCRO), a contract research organization operating in Central and Eastern Europe, which will further strengthen PPD's presence in a high-growth, emerging region for clinical research.

The acquisition gains PPD immediate entry into Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia with established infrastructure and expertise, and also bolsters PPD's existing staff and operations in Poland, Russia and Ukraine.

Founded in 2000, AbCRO provides a full range of Phase II-IV clinical services, including clinical trial management and monitoring, patient recruitment, site identification and regulatory affairs. AbCRO employs more than 230 full-time professionals, many of whom have worked extensively with PPD over the past three years.

"Under the leadership of Dana A. Leff and Christa Pleasants, AbCRO has built a strong regional clinical research business and established a solid reputation in the region," said Fred Eshelman, chief executive officer of PPD. "This acquisition will strengthen our foothold in Central and Eastern Europe and enhance our ability to conduct global trials for our clients. We see many synergies with AbCRO and anticipate a relatively seamless integration, with many of the AbCRO employees already well-versed on basic PPD procedures and systems."

Ms. Leff, chief executive officer and co-founder of AbCRO, will oversee PPD's Central and Eastern European operations. Ms. Leff said, "While clinical research in Eastern Europe has grown tremendously, there are many possibilities for continued expansion. We look forward to combining our strong client base and expertise with PPD's global resources to build upon our immense growth in this region."

Ms. Pleasants, chairman and co-founder of AbCRO, will join PPD's clinical operations in the U.K. as a senior director.

PPD opened its first office in the region in 1995 and established its presence in Russia and Ukraine last year through its acquisition of InnoPharm, Ltd. The company is one of the largest CROs operating in the region, which offers well-trained investigators, a large pool of easily reachable patients, and a lower density of clinical trials compared to Western Europe and North America.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and obtaining regulatory approvals, and is expected to close on or about the end of the first quarter.

Cambridge News Business Awards Launch

Thursday 15th January saw the launch of the Cambridge News Business Excellence Awards at the Felix Hotel, Cambridge. To enter a company or individual could not be easier simply visit www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_buiness_awards and fill in the online nomination form.

Now in its 16th year the Cambridge News Business Excellence Awards are the premier event in the business calendar. The level of interest in the awards continues to grow with each year's entries reflecting the depth of entrepreneurial flair that prospers in the area.

This year there are seven categories open for nomination:

Business Innovation
Rising Star of the Year
Small Business of the Year
Barclays Commercial Bank Award
Businesswoman of the Year
Businessman of the Year
Business of the Year

To enter a company or individual simply visit www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_buiness_awards and fill in the online nomination form.

This year’s gala dinner will, once again, take place in the prestigious surroundings of King’s College, Cambridge on Thursday 26th March 2009 with an after dinner speech from Kate Adie.

If you would like further information about the awards or would like to purchase tickets for the dinner please contact Tom Bircham at tom.bircham@cambridge-news.co.uk.

Pictured: At the Awards last year Roger Quince presenting the award for Small Business of the Year 2008 to The Geoinformation Group.

Granta Park - Winter Wonderland

This week as many people returned to work after a well deserved break the Granta Park landscape provided a scene to banish those end of holiday blues with a fall of snow providing a winter wonderland scene across the chalk meadowland and cricket pitch of the science park; a place to impress clients and motivate staff during any season!

Early warnings from the Met Office of the imminent snow meant that all the main routes to Granta Park including the M11, A14, A11 and A505 had been suitably treated and it is clear that the Granta Park cyclists braved the snowy weather (the evidence is in the picture of The Avenue!)