Big DNA wins Life Sciences Award

01 December 2009

Last night, at a ceremony in Edinburgh, life sciences firm BigDNA, founded at Roslin BioCentre two years ago, won Nexxus' Most Promising Young Life Science Company of the Year Award (East). From the H1N1 'swine flu' to the seasonal flu, new viral strains sweep around the globe each year while scientists and companies race to produce better vaccines. BigDNA's new vaccine technology is designed to manufacture vaccines faster and more cheaply than ever before.

Dr. John March, Chief Executive Officer said, "We have progressed in leaps and bounds in the last two years in terms of technology development. This award is fantastic in terms of official recognition of the progress we have made, and in particular, it identifies the important role that our dedicated and innovative science team have played in this progression."

The company has enjoyed rapid growth, to twelve employees half of whom are PhD scientists. It raised additional investment of £1.5million recently, and former Defence Procurement Minister, Lord Freeman was appointed as chairman last year. Big DNA announced the establishment of its Science Advisory panel last month, which includes distinguished scientist Professor Noreen Murray among others. The firm's vaccine manufacturing facility was officially opened by Scottish Finance Minister John Swinney MSP in May of this year.

Big DNA will begin clinical testing of their lead product, a Hepatitis B vaccine, in 2011 and then move on to develop additional vaccines, for influenza, Herpes Simplex 2 and other diseases where a high unmet need, or less than ideal vaccine, currently exists.

Dr. Karen Jervis, Commercial Director said, "The next few years will be pivotal for BigDNA as we develop our clinical vaccine portfolio. We will continue to strengthen and build the company through new appointments and international partnerships, both in the human and animal health arenas. Every member of our team is delighted to receive the Nexxus award as it reaffirms their motivation in achieving these goals."

www.bigdna.co.uk