Alba Bioscience receives funding to secure 16 R&D jobs
This investment will include a £1.8million R&D grant from Scottish Enterprise, which was announced by Enterprise Minister Jim Mather at a visit to Alba Bioscience.
He said: “Scotland has an international reputation for quality research and development – especially in the field of life sciences. This excellence is demonstrated by the work of Alba Bioscience, which has built a highly-skilled Edinburgh-based workforce. The R&D grant will enable the company to go from strength to strength and, in turn, help this Government in our drive to increase sustainable economic growth.”
John Allan, CEO of Alba Bioscience highlighted that: “Some of the key factors of this award will be the creation and safeguarding of new research and development jobs, which will enhance our current scientific skill base and assist our growth. This strengthens the company’s contribution to the economy locally and in the development of Scotland’s expertise in the life science arena.”
Alba Bioscience is one of the success stories in the life sciences industry in Scotland. The progressive company is a world leader in the manufacture of vital diagnostic reagents. It is now one of the largest manufacturers of monoclonal blood grouping products in the world, with over 70 per cent of their sales coming from overseas. Its wide-ranging product portfolio includes contract manufacturing services in cryo preservation, freeze drying as well as antibody production.
The company is expanding rapidly following its privatisation from the NHS last year and a major milestone was achieved when FDA (Food and Drug Administration) clearance was received last year to sell some of its products into the highly-lucrative U.S. market.
Alba Bioscience is also part of the expanding Quotient Bioscience group of companies who are providing significant new investment into their Scottish operation.
Lena Wilson, chief operating officer of Scottish Enterprise, said: “At Scottish Enterprise, we are committed to helping companies invest in new product development that will help to grow their businesses and open up new markets. This project will help Alba Bioscience to expand its Edinburgh facility and further reinforce Scotland’s international reputation as a centre of excellence for life sciences research and development.”
A company fact file accompanies this press release and can be found on the media section of the Alba Bioscience website, along with a range of pictures and further information about the company.
Visit the Alba Bio Science website for more information
About lba Bioscience
Alba Bioscience has been based on its site at Ellen’s Glen Road, in Edinburgh’s Liberton district, since 1999, with further expansion on the same site in 2002.
The company has grown substantially in recent years, currently employing 75 highly skilled scientific, technical and support staff.
It is one of the largest manufacturers of monoclonal blood grouping products in the world, supplying vital health care products to hospitals, blood transfusion services and contract customers in over 30 countries.
The company supports services to hospital blood banks throughout Scotland and internationally.
Alba Bioscience is a leading player in the Scottish biotech industry and one of the largest bio-manufacturing companies, set for further expansion in the future.
Further information can be found on the Alba Bioscience website
About Quotient Bioscience
Alba Bioscience is part of the rapidly developing Quotient Bioscience group of companies. Quotient is a leading provider of analytical and safety evaluation services and products for drug development and sport, and was founded in early 2007 by Paul Cowan, the former Chief Financial Officer of Inveresk Research Group, Inc. (based in East Lothian)
Quotient Bioscience has recently reorganised under three principal businesses:
- Quotient Bioresearch;
- HFL Sports Science; and
- Alba Bioscience.
Further information can be found on the Quotient Bioscience website
About R&D Grants
The general R&D grant, administered by Scottish Enterprise, provides support for innovative projects across Scotland. Three existing grant schemes have been consolidated into one general R&D grant to simplify the process of securing Government support for research and development. The grants are available to businesses of all sizes.
Further information can be found on the Scottish Business Grants website
Ian Buckingham
Sales and Marketing Director
Alba Bioscience Limited
Telephone: 0131 536 5907
Mobile: 07909 880198
Email: ian.buckingham@albabioscience.co.uk