Lab plans are a boost for Sandwich Pfizer site
A hi-tech chemistry laboratory is to open at the Pfizer plant in Sandwich, showing how the facility is a major world player in the pharmaceutical business.
To staff it, a team of 50 experts in the field of synthetic chemistry is being assembled by the drugs giant.
The move follows the announcement that Peakdale Molecular Limited, a leading research services company with its headquarters in the UK, has entered into an agreement with Pfizer.
The facility will provide on-site chemistry resources for Pfizer, as well as other companies in east Kent.
Pfizer say the presence of a world-class chemistry development facility will add to the attraction of the Sandwich site as an innovation hub.
Dr Tony Wood, the vice president of Pfizer World-Wide Medicinal Chemistry, said: "Synthetic organic chemistry sits at the centre of drug discovery.
"This collaboration will allow Pfizer to continue to develop a strong community of experienced synthetic chemists within its facilities and enhance the overall culture of synthetic chemistry at Sandwich."
The lab will be of great importance to the company's worldwide drug business, as well as showing how the site can be developed.
"The positioning of Peakdale chemists close to the core of our research operations gives a unique opportunity in this outsourced space," said David Roblin, Sandwich head of research and site director of Pfizer Sandwich Laboratories.
"In addition, this move begins to enhance the utilisation of the real estate assets we have at Sandwich."
The development is set to take place over coming months as equipment is installed and the workforce finalised.
"This is a great opportunity for Peakdale to contribute to Pfizer's success as the pharmaceutical industry seeks to become more efficient and responsive to the rapidly changing environment of drug discovery," said Ray Fisher, the founder and chief executive of Peakdale Molecular.
"We are extremely pleased Pfizer has chosen us to promote this new initiative.
"We see this model as one way to bring the entrepreneurial spirit of smaller companies and combine it with the expertise and know-how of an established world leader."
Last month Yoursandwich reported how Pfizer was planning on developing its business interests in emerging global markets, including China, India, Brazil and the Middle East.
Source: Kentnews.co.uk
