11/03/2015

Oncologica choose Chesterford Research Park as location for new HQ

The Contract Research and Diagnostic Services organisation take a suite in Science Village, Chesterford’s high quality, prestigious self-contained accommodation.

Chesterford Research Park is delighted to welcome Oncologica to Science Village. Oncologica provides comprehensive molecular pathology diagnostic services to address the growing demand for molecular profiling of cancer patients for targeted therapies. The organisation utilises state-of-the-art molecular tissue analytics for cancer diagnosis, patient stratification and personalised medicine. This includes high-throughput next generation sequencing platforms (NGS) and molecular probes (FISH/CISH/DDISH) for the detection of actionable mutations, fusion transcripts and copy number variations. In addition, Oncologica’s portfolio of services includes nanostring technology for clinically relevant genomic information and immunohistochemistry (IHC) protein expression profiling for protein based companion diagnostics.

Oncologica also functions as a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) supporting biomarker and drug development programmes for pharmaceutical, biotech, academic institutions and healthcare providers.  Capitalising on its extensive knowledge base in anatomical and molecular oncopathology, companion diagnostics and translational medicine, Oncologica provides high quality and cost effective contract research services to support theranostic programmes at all stages of the development pipeline, from discovery through preclinical development to clinical trials.

As well as providing diagnostic and contract research services, Oncologica also runs in-house R&D programmes focusing on the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic intervention strategies targeting the cell cycle machinery. Through these progammes Oncologica aim to become a major driver of the new generation of molecular analytics and targeted therapies in the field of oncology, the ultimate objective being to increase treatment efficacy and reduce healthcare costs.

Gareth Williams, Co-Founder of Oncologica commented of the move: “Positioned within one of the world’s leading life science clusters Chesterford was the obvious choice for us. The Park is host to leading players in the biotech and pharma sector and it’s proximity to institutes of excellence, such as the Sanger Institute - world-renowned in the field of cancer genomics - makes the location ideal from our perspective.”

Marco Loddo, Co-Founder added: “The plug and play nature of the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at Chesterford have facilitated a very smooth transition for us.  In addition to which the Park team have been extremely accommodating, working closely with us to ensure we have the space we require during this critical stage of growth. We are delighted to be putting down roots at Chesterford.”

The Science Village at Chesterford Research Park is an ideal HQ for both established and start-up companies which need flexible, high quality and prestigious self-contained accommodation.  The innovative, energy efficient building offers individual R&D suites ranging from 1,515 sq ft to 1,993 sq ft, plus excellent flexibility by combining spaces for larger occupation.  The fully fitted accommodation - served by high-speed data connectivity and Cat 6 cabling - is also supported by a back up generator. Each suite has demountable benching; two sinks and two fume hoods (with space for a third if required), housed within their own dedicated room.

For further information regarding occupancy options please contact the joint agents for Chesterford Research Park – William Clarke at Savills (01223) 347294 or Michael Jones at Dodson Jones (01223) 358114.