Drug discovery in Scotland
Scotland is home to one of the most impressive life science clusters in Europe, with world-renowned researchers engaged in the field of drug discovery in Scotland. Leading drug research and development companies are supported by an extensive knowledge base, first-rate industrial technology and universities with exceptional links to industry.
The Scottish life sciences industry is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and is a global leader in the drug discovery and development process.
The breadth of drug discovery in Scotland
Drug discovery is the generic term for the discovery, development and approval of new chemical compounds or biological products that can be used to treat human disease. There is a pipeline of drugs at different stages of development in Scotland, where 265 organisations are engaged in developing human healthcare products and services.
- 115 organisations are in the drug discovery and development arena, and 150 work in medical technologies.
- There is world-leading drug discovery expertise in Scotland, with company spin-out joint venture and licensing opportunities available.
- Scotland’s drug discovery support network includes 42 drug delivery organisations and a supply chain of 286 organisations.
Scotland outperforms the rest of the UK in many areas of drug research and development. Key academics include Professor Sir Philip Cohen, from the University of Dundee and Professor Roland Wolfe, Director of the Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Dundee and Honorary Director of CRUK Molecular Pharmacology Unit.
Scotland has key strengths in the following areas of drug discovery:
Clinical research and drug development in Scotland
Scotland has an established network of over 65 pharmaceutical clinical trials support and contract research organisations (CROs)providing pre-clinical and clinical contract research services.
A skilled Scottish workforce supporting drug discovery
Scotland produces a disproportionately high number of life science graduates, making it the ideal location for complex drug research and development. The Scottish workforce is recognised as being one of the most reliable, best trained and most cost-competitive in the world.
Support for drug discovery in Scotland
The supportive regulatory and funding environment, backed by the highest ethical research standards, makes Scotland the ideal location to conduct drug discovery and development.
Companies engaged in drug discovery in Scotland benefit from extensive links between industry and universities and other research institutes.
Contact us to find out more about the support we can offer companies involved in drug discovery or any other life science sector in Scotland.