'DNA vaccine' facility unveiled

Big DNA hopes to enter clinical trials in a couple of years time

A Midlothian company which is developing a unique method for making vaccines, is to open a manufacturing facility in Roslin.

Big DNA has secured £1.5m in private investment to fund the patented technology, and it hopes to enter clinical trials in a couple of years.

The firm said the new manufacturing technique was simple, fast and cheap - important for treating pandemic flu.

The vaccines are designed to be taken orally, ending the need for injections.

Dr John March, founder of Big DNA, said conventional vaccines were often difficult and expensive to make, requiring specialist facilities and expertise.

The new process involves growing bacterial viruses called "bacteriophage" on special bacterial hosts cells.

'Global stage'

The bacteriophage contains DNA or "genetic instructions" instead of using the disease organism itself, which conventional vaccines rely upon.

Dr March said: "We are proud to be a Scottish-based life sciences company which has taken an exciting early stage technology and have actually developed it to the level where we aim to be entering clinical trials within the next couple of years."

Finance Secretary John Swinney, who is to officially open the new facility at Roslin Biocentre later, congratulated the firm.

"Life science is an industry which can boost investment in Scotland, and with Scottish expertise, develop revolutionary technologies," he said.

"Successful companies such as Big DNA can enhance Scotland's place on the global stage for life sciences and help position Scotland's economy for a stronger recovery."