Tepnel completes Scottish pharmaceutical testing facility

Tepnel Life Sciences has completed Phase I of its new pharmaceutical testing facility based in Livingston, Scotland.

Construction commenced on the state-of-the-art laboratory in July 2006 and operational activity will begin this month (July 2007). The facility will house 47 staff to be relocated from Tepnel's Edinburgh and Glasgow operations. It will accommodate Tepnel's protein analysis and genomic testing laboratories as well as the company's analytical chemistry, bioanalysis and microbiology facilities.

Tepnel will initially occupy 14,000 ft² and Phase II development of the remaining 4000 ft² will begin in September. This will house Tepnel's Molecular Services group, which will provide genotyping, whole genome amplification, sequencing and gene expression services.

The company plans to establish a clinical genotyping operation at Livingston while continuing to develop specialised products and services in high growth areas such as pharmacogenomics, new generations of vaccines and the rapidly evolving therapeutic protein market.

'The facility is an important component of our long-term strategy that will allow Tepnel to extend its market presence in the fast-growing biological medicines sector,' said ceo Ben Matzilevich. 'Continuity of service to Tepnel's customers will be maintained throughout the transition to the new location.'

Tepnel's new Livingston facility was part funded by Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh and Lothian.