PHARMACEUTICAL firm Aesica has announced a new partnership with the University of Bradford.

The move will see the Cramlington-based business take advantage of facilities at the institution’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science.

Business development manager Dr Riddi Shukla led the deal and offered Aesica access to advanced technologies at the centre, which rely on the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) capabilities of the pharmaceutical company.

Both parties will benefit from contract, as Aesica will use processing technologies such as hot metal extrusion at Bradford’s facility, and the university will gain access to GMP standards.

Aesica plan to manufacture clinical trial supplies at the centre, and the firm emphasised the importance of the alliance between the business and the University.

Paul Titley, managing director of Formulation Development at Aesica, said: “We provide GMP contract manufacturing services to six other universities, but this partnership is particularly important and unique as it is mutually beneficial.

“While the team at Bradford has development expertise in several key approaches and as such can evaluate the viability of compounds presented by virtual and small pharma organisations, our GMP expertise is crucial to take the compounds into clinical trials, which is vital.

“By working with such organisations at an early stage we would hope to cement long term development and manufacturing partnerships and expedite the leap from concept to commercialisation with a clear and proven route to market.

“In addition, the facilities at the Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science will enable us to further enhance our overall formulation development service offering which will add value to our existing clients.”