Amprologix, a spinout company from the University of Plymouth, has moved to Plymouth Science Park to become part of its growing health tech cluster and make use of cutting-edge laboratory facilities within the University’s Derriford Research Facility. The move comes as the company begins the clinical phase of its antibiotic discovery programmes.
Amprologix has pioneered a drug discovery programme focused on identifying the next generation of antibiotics, helping meet the growing need for novel approaches to the threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Professor of Medical Microbiology Mat Upton, Chief Scientific Officer of Amprologix, said: “We are delighted to be joining the fantastic community of health tech innovators at Plymouth Science Park. The technical capabilities of the Derriford Research Facility will be vital to our continued work as we strive to combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.”
A UK government review in 2015 estimated that by 2050, the global cost of antibiotic resistance could rise to US$100 trillion and drug-resistant infections will cause ten million deaths a year, eclipsing the current toll from cancer and diabetes combined.
In the UK alone, the government estimates there are currently 5,000 deaths each year because antibiotics no longer work for some infections.
Amprologix was founded in 2018 to develop and commercialise the work of Professor Upton, who leads the University’s internationally recognised Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens Research Group. The company is partnered with world-leading biotechnology company Ingenza LTD for manufacturing, and in 2019 won a £1.2 million contract from the Department for Health and Social Care to accelerate development and scale up its lead antibiotic candidate to tackle antimicrobial resistant MRSA and related superbugs.
Dr Ian Fotheringham MBE, Managing Director of Ingenza, said: “This is an exciting move for Amprologix. To be part of a dynamic technology community will accelerate its growth and advance its innovative approaches to tackle the unmet global threat of antimicrobial resistance.”
Dr Fay Davies, Business Development Manager at Plymouth Science Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome Amprologix to Plymouth Science Park. The last year has demonstrated in the starkest possible terms the importance of innovative health tech research and capability. We look forward to supporting Amprologix as they continue their vital work developing new antibiotics and addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance.”
