Pfizer and UCB form new company to speed up drug discovery process

The UK Government’s technology strategy board has helped facilitate this innovative arrangement between Pfizer and UCB and will continue to support Cyclofluidic by co-funding its R&D.

The aim of Cyclofluidic is to develop technologies that automate and integrate processes known as flow chemistry and flow biology to help pharmaceutical companies shorten timelines within the drug development process.

Cyclofluidic will be jointly owned by Pfizer and UCB, with each company having both a seat and scientific observer rights on the board. Cyclofluidic will develop a microfluidic closed loop lead optimization platform which will enable researchers to access state of the art expertise in flow chemistry, flow screening and microfluidic engineering. This will be addressed through extensive collaboration with key academics and component manufacturers.

Cyclofluidic will also provide training for both flow chemistry and biology scientists at its facility, to be located in the South of England.

Neil Weir, senior vice president of research at UCB, said: “Cyclofluidic’s entry into the rapidly evolving microfluidic technology area has the potential to radically transform the medicinal chemistry and biology interface. It’s an exciting opportunity for UCB and Pfizer to collaborate and offers real potential for improved productivity, underlining our commitment to innovation for patients.”