10 December 2019
Biotangents have occupied 3,200 sq. ft of laboratory and office space in the west wing of Douglas House, relocating operations from within the Moredun Research Institute. While remaining a part of the Pentlands Science Park community, this will be Biotangents’ first standalone facilities since the company’s founding in 2015.
Alan Hale, CEO at Biotangents regarding the move commented “This is an exciting next stage in the development of Biotangents for our team, investors and partners. With our expanded laboratory facilities, we have further enhanced our ability for research, innovation and manufacturing. We are now rapidly accelerating our progress in both our scientific and engineering capabilities leading to the commercialisation of our innovative products.
“With our new laboratory facilities at Douglas House we have cemented our position within the heart of Europe’s largest and leading-edge animal health science community. Our team now numbers 12, nearly doubling in size since the beginning of 2018, supporting our increasing product development portfolio and ensuring innovation remains at our core”.
The relocation comes as a result of the company’s expansion of its research and development team and growth over the past two years. The move has been prompted by the development of engineering prototypes demonstrating the company’s capabilities in fluidic engineering and automated reagent handling, as well as by advances in the optimisation of its disease diagnostics intellectual property.
The new offices and larger laboratory facilities will accommodate further growth as the company progresses with its plans for future development. The move comes in wake of Biotangents’ highly successful and oversubscribed funding round of £1.5 million in May 2019 lead by Kelvin Capital.
Angus Hay, Director of Kelvin Capital: “We are delighted to see Biotangents continue to grow following Kelvin Capital’s previous investment and ongoing support from our extensive network. Their technical strides in developing their diagnostic platform technology for detecting disease in cattle, has been impressive and moving to this multi-functional facility will allow them to continue to grow in line with their ambitious plans.”
Prof Julie Fitzpatrick, CEO and Scientific Director of Moredun said “I was delighted to hear of the ongoing success of Biotangents and their need for expanded facilities for innovative science here at Pentlands Science Park. Moredun will be celebrating its Centenary in 2020 and it is encouraging to see growth and success of our tenant companies and collaborators. I wish Biotangents all the very best in realising their vision”.
Pentlands Science Park Manager, George Walker, said “We are very pleased to have Biotangents at the Park to have supported them through the early stages of their growth to the point where the Company has trebled its laboratory and office space with this exciting move. They have been excellent to deal with and we wish them continued success”.
Pentlands Science Park is home to the Moredun Research Institute and 20 commercial tenants and is part of the growing Midlothian Science Zone area at Easter Bush, near Penicuik, a world-leading centre of animal research.