Fusion Antibodies Doubling Workforce as it Targets Global Business
Belfast-based Clinical Research firm, Fusion Antibodies has announced plans to create 28 new jobs. This recruitment drive, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, will help Fusion deliver its services to its growing international customer base.
The company’s antibody engineering technology assists in the development of novel biological molecules that are used as innovative drugs for human diseases including cancer, coeliac disease, chronic fungal infections and immunological indications.
Announcing the expansion, Paul Kerr, Managing Director of Fusion Antibodies, said: “Invest NI continues to provide excellent support as we look to expand the business rapidly and to capitalise on our position as a successful international CRO providing a range of antibody engineering services. The work to more than double the capacity of our laboratory and office space is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, ahead of our original schedule. The new employees will include technically skilled staff working to deliver our current services to biopharma companies.
“We are also recruiting scientists with specialised skills to work in our new product development team on the establishment of our antibody affinity maturation service and the creation of a mammalian antibody library. In addition, our growth strategy, focussed on reinvigorating and expanding our new business development and sales function, will benefit from further resource in this area.”
Invest NI has offered Fusion Antibodies £213,000 towards its job creation and marketing activities.
Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Life Sciences, said: “This expansion is an exciting milestone for Fusion Antibodies which is among a dynamic group of companies contributing to our growing Life and Health Sciences sector. Invest NI has been working alongside the business for many years and we are delighted to be helping Fusion Antibodies to scale up its workforce and target market opportunities with drug development and diagnostics companies across the globe.”
CAPTION:
Pictured (L-R): Grainne McVeigh, Director of Life Sciences, Invest Northern Ireland, and Paul Kerr, Managing Director of Fusion Antibodies.
