Key role in drug development for pharma industry

R5 Pharmaceuticals, based on the BioCity campus, Nottingham, says it offers an efficient and integrated approach to pharmaceutical development, from drug formulation and delivery technology through to full scale manufacture.

Led by a uniquely experienced management team, R5 Pharmaceuticals provides appropriate solutions for the development of safe and effective pharmaceutical materials to be used in clinical studies.

R5 is also applying its expertise to new and rapidly evolving areas such as paediatric products and nutraceuticals, which are coming under increasing pharmaceutical regulation.

Paul Titley, CEO, R5 Pharmaceuticals comments: "The importance of formulation in the drug development process should never be underestimated.

"From the identification of initial targets and lead compounds to the creation of a tangible product with therapeutic benefit, verified as safe to use in humans, the early stages of drug development present a formidable challenge.

"R5 Pharmaceuticals has the capability to optimise the potential of new drugs in development so that, ultimately, patients benefit from new medicines that are safe and effective.

"Further to this, it is clear that each stage requires thorough and efficient methodology, as well as high quality facilities and a strong team".

The facilities include one of the very few cleanrooms in Europe, enabling the highest level of sterile product development.

This is absolutely essential in early clinical development, to ensure that the final product will provide therapeutic benefits for patients, while maintaining its safety.

R5 Pharmaceuticals is based in BioCity Nottingham, a healthcare and bioscience innovation and incubation centre that was made possible by a huge donation of laboratory and office buildings and equipment from BASF to Nottingham Trent University in 2001.

Through the use of a pre-existing, purpose-built building, along with high spec, reclaimed equipment, R5 Pharmaceuticals made a saving of nearly £5 million pounds in start-up costs, overcoming formidable hurdles for a start-up venture and enabling the company to offer the highest quality services from its inception.

Titley adds: "We are delighted to be leading such innovative science through the use of cutting edge facilities and procedures.

"With increased regulation in clinical studies, it has become more important than ever to ensure the products used are efficacious but are also proven to have high patient acceptability.

"The facilities at R5 only allow for sterile manufacturing, but also ensure that each stage of development is carried out meticulously, converting interesting molecules into complex, effective and safe medicines."