Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, and UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, Lord Vallance, have marked the start of construction on a new £20 million Oligonucleotide Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Glasgow.

This state-of-the-art facility, due to open in 2025, will be at the forefront of manufacturing life-saving oligonucleotide therapies. Oligonucleotides are short strands of DNA or RNA that can target diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

The centre will pioneer sustainable manufacturing processes, accelerate the development of new oligonucleotide medicines, and create high-skilled jobs in Scotland.

By investing in this facility, the UK aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation and ensure patients have faster access to cutting-edge treatments.

First Minister, John Swinney, said: "This centre brings together life sciences and manufacturing – two of our most successful sectors. We know the life sciences sector is good for Scotland’s economy, but the medicines that will be made in Paisley will benefit people around the world by offering innovative and life-saving therapies with the potential to treat cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

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"The Scottish Government contributed £10.275 million to this project through Scottish Enterprise. We did so because it reflects my commitment to transforming our approach to innovation by building new partnerships and driving collaboration between governments, industry and academic institutions." 

UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said: "Oligonucleotide therapies are set to be key medicines of the future and have huge potential to improve health outcomes for patients – tackling diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and more. 

"This new centre of excellence is a strategic investment which will support economic growth and better healthcare: two of the missions at the heart of this Government’s Plan for Change." 

Frank Millar, CEO of CPI, said: "The Oligonucleotide Manufacturing Innovation Centre of Excellence will ensure we can get life-saving therapies to patients quicker, supporting the health and wellbeing of people around the world.  

"The centre demonstrates the UK’s leadership in advancing high-value manufacturing and healthcare innovation. By investing in the manufacturing technologies of tomorrow, we are not only strengthening the UK’s competitiveness on the global stage but bringing impact back into the regions where we operate, enhancing our ability to attract inward investment and creating high-skilled jobs."

Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "This is a terrific step in Scotland becoming a world-renowned Oligonucleotide hub where innovative, life-saving treatments will be developed for patients around the globe.

"The market for this pioneering technology is predicted to double over the next five years which presents opportunities for many more companies to join a rapidly growing medicines manufacturing supply chain in Scotland.

"Our support is part of our long-term focused strategy to scale innovation in growth sectors like Life Sciences where Scotland excels."