RoukenBio, the Collaborative Research Organisation (CRO) formerly known as Antibody Analytics, has today announced completion of the phase 2 expansion of its Discovery Centre in Motherwell, Scotland.
In addition to this key business milestone, the immunology CRO has unveiled its new brand identity as it sets its sights on future growth
An increase in demand for its preclinical immuno-oncology drug discovery services and cell-based bioassays coupled with growing market interest in auto-immunity, inflammation and allergic diseases has driven the need for the phase 2 expansion. It will enable the CRO to enhance its in vitro selection and characterisation capabilities for therapeutics aimed at addressing immune-regulated diseases.
The facility expansion will be fully operational later this year and the new space has also enabled RoukenBio to increase its instrumentation bandwidth and invest in new cutting-edge equipment.
Customers will be able to experience Real-Time Interaction Cytometry for the first time as it has invested in Dynamic Biosensors’ heliXcyto, the first automated biosensor of its kind that enables advanced analysis of molecule-on-cell interactions. This technology allows the measurement of a biotherapeutic’s association kinetics, dissociation kinetics, half-life, affinity and avidity in the native cellular environment. This investment makes RoukenBio one of only two companies in Europe able to offer these capabilities as a service.
Completion of phase 2 has also seen a 55% increase in laboratory and office space at the 24,000 square feet facility. The additional lab capacity will boost the firm’s cell engineering capabilities. With capacity for 150 staff, RoukenBio is also looking to make more senior scientific hires to further support the team’s knowledge base of brilliant minds.
Coinciding with the phase 2 expansion is a name change for the company. Proud of its Scottish roots, the firm’s new identity draws inspiration from the Rouken Glen waterfalls which surround its Motherwell headquarters.
Andy Upsall, CEO, RoukenBio said: “The completion of the second phase of our expansion and our rebrand signals a new era for the company.
“With a deep understanding of the complexities of immunologically driven diseases and a track record of groundbreaking discoveries, our phase 2 expansion will see us appoint more highly skilled scientists in senior roles and take on even more challenging problems in drug development. We are keen to boost awareness of the full breadth of our scientific expertise and the thought partnership approach we provide to our clients driving the discovery and development of immuno-modulatory molecules and biotherapeutics.
“We’re also excited to finally reveal our new name. Not only is it a nod to the beautiful landscape that surrounds us, it also captures our adaptability and agility as a research partner in support of the constantly evolving industry landscape in which we operate.”
Phase 3 of the expansion is due to begin in 2025. This final phase will complete the existing facility footprint to house more laboratories and instrumentation, and expand the workforce to up to 250. RoukenBio is also considering using the remaining space for regulated labs, such GCP compliance to support the testing of patient samples for clinical trials, or GMP compliance to allow the firm to release test therapeutics, enabling their use in clinical trials.
RoukenBio’s scientists boast decades of combined expertise in the identification and characterisation of a variety of drug types, ranging from small molecules and antibody-targeted therapies to complex biologics. Its services include translational immunology, molecular biology and cell line engineering, functional characterisation of biotherapeutics and creation of CMC quality bioassays.
