Bath ASU, manufacturers of life-changing pharmaceutical products, received the Queen's Award in the Enterprise and Innovation category. The Award is for their development of ground-breaking technologies that extend the shelf-life of key biologic chemotherapy drugs.
This advancement was achieved through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Bath ASU and the University, supported by UK Research and Innovation as part of the National Industrial Strategy. The technology not only improves treatment for patients but reduces waste and saves the NHS a significant cost saving.
The KTP project, awarded the highest performance grade of ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK, relied on the skill and dedication of KTP Associate Dr Ben Young, former Bath graduate. Dr Young worked closely with Dr Andrew Watts, from the University’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, at Bath ASU’s state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facility in Corsham, Wiltshire.
This partnership has successfully delivered a methodology resulting in the NHS Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee adopting a new standard. This standard means that patients are assessed according to their illness and personal criteria and prescribed drugs accordingly.
Dr Andrew Watts says: “The dedicated and committed partnership developed through this KTP between the University and Bath ASU, has allowed the knowledge base team to gain first-hand understanding of the challenges in delivering these crucial drugs to patients.
“I am delighted that we (University of Bath and Bath ASU) have been able to deliver new technology that extends the shelf life of key cancer drugs. This has enabled us to develop dose banding and with it standardisation that provides much greater flexibility in the delivery of drugs to patients.”
Chris Watt, Bath ASU Managing Director says: “We are delighted to receive the Queen’s Award in recognition of the hard work of the KTP partnership and the efforts of all staff members at Bath ASU.
“The KTP with the University of Bath provided an ideal framework and dedicated programme support, enabling this partnership to develop key technology which has wide reaching benefits for both patients and the NHS.
“Through this KTP, a new standard practice has been adopted by the NHS that will have long lasting benefits in the delivery of this expanding class of key therapeutic agents. We look forward to continuing working with University of Bath in delivering improved treatment options and outcomes for patients.”