Bilex Pharma is proud to announce the official inauguration of our new Oxford Scientific Operations facility, a state-of-the-art research center that marks a significant expansion of our UK operations and reinforces our commitment to advancing vaccine science.
Strategic Expansion in the Golden Triangle
Located at the Oxford Science Park, this 3,500 square meter facility represents a £35 million investment in specialized research capabilities that complement our Cambridge headquarters. The strategic location within the UK’s “Golden Triangle” of scientific excellence positions Bilex Pharma to leverage Oxford’s world-class research ecosystem and attract leading talent in immunology and vaccine science.
“The inauguration of our Oxford facility represents a pivotal milestone in Bilex Pharma’s growth journey,” said Dr. Andras Ottlik, CEO and Director of Bilex Pharma, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “By establishing this specialized research hub, we’re not only expanding our physical footprint but also enhancing our scientific capabilities in critical areas that will accelerate our vaccine development programs.”
Specialized Research Focus
The Oxford Scientific Operations facility houses four specialized units designed to address specific challenges in modern vaccine development:
Structural Vaccinology Unit
Equipped with advanced cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography capabilities, this unit focuses on precise antigen design through atomic-level structural understanding. The facility includes a Titan Krios G4 cryo-electron microscope and dedicated computational resources for molecular modeling.
“Understanding protein structure at atomic resolution allows us to design antigens that present critical epitopes in their optimal conformations,” explained Dr. Eleanor Harrington, Chief Scientific Officer at Bilex Pharma. “This precision engineering approach has the potential to significantly enhance vaccine efficacy and cross-protection.”
Adjuvant Technology Centre
This specialized laboratory focuses on developing next-generation adjuvant systems that can shape immune responses for optimal protection, with particular emphasis on enhancing effectiveness in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
“Adjuvants are critical components that can dramatically improve vaccine performance,” said Dr. Maya Richardson, Head of Adjuvant Technology. “Our dedicated facility allows us to systematically evaluate novel formulations and understand their mechanism of action, tailoring immune responses to specific pathogens and populations.”
Biomarker Discovery Labs
These laboratories focus on identifying and validating molecular indicators of vaccine-induced protection, supporting more efficient clinical development through better understanding of immune correlates.
“By identifying reliable biomarkers that correlate with protection, we can potentially accelerate clinical development and reduce the size and cost of efficacy trials,” noted Dr. James Wilson, Director of Immunological Assessment. “This approach is particularly valuable for diseases where traditional efficacy trials would be impractical or unethical.”
Analytical Sciences Group
This comprehensive facility houses sophisticated analytical technologies for comprehensive characterization of vaccine components, ensuring consistent quality and performance throughout development.
“Robust analytics are the foundation of successful vaccine development,” explained Dr. Sarah Thompson, Head of Analytical Sciences. “Our expanded capabilities allow us to implement comprehensive characterization strategies from early research through clinical development, enhancing our understanding of critical quality attributes.”
Collaboration with the Oxford Ecosystem
The inauguration ceremony highlighted Bilex Pharma’s collaborative approach, with representatives from the University of Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Jenner Institute in attendance.
Professor Helen Gibbs, Head of the Institute of Infection and Immunity at the University of Oxford, commented: “The arrival of Bilex Pharma’s specialized facility creates exciting opportunities for collaboration between academic researchers and industry scientists. This type of partnership accelerates the translation of fundamental discoveries into practical health solutions.”
The facility includes dedicated space for collaborative projects and will host joint PhD students and postdoctoral researchers through partnerships with local academic institutions.
Impact on Current Development Programs
The Oxford facility will immediately support several key programs in Bilex Pharma’s development pipeline:
- RSV Vaccine Program: The Structural Vaccinology Unit will focus on optimizing the pre-fusion F protein conformation to enhance neutralizing antibody responses.
- Universal Influenza Approach: The Adjuvant Technology Centre will develop formulations specifically designed to enhance cross-reactive responses against conserved viral regions.
- Tuberculosis Vaccine Candidate: The Biomarker Discovery Labs will lead efforts to identify correlates of protection to support efficient clinical development.
“These specialized capabilities directly address critical scientific challenges across our development portfolio,” said Dr. Harrington. “The work conducted here will enhance not just individual programs but our overall platform technologies.”
Employment and Economic Impact
The new facility has created 65 highly skilled scientific positions, with plans to expand to approximately 100 staff by the end of 2023. Bilex Pharma has implemented targeted recruitment initiatives including partnerships with local universities and a specialized postdoctoral program.
“We’re not just building facilities but growing a team of exceptional scientists who share our vision,” said Dr. Ottlik. “The Oxford area offers access to world-class talent, and we’re already seeing the benefits of this rich scientific environment.”
Sustainable Design
The Oxford facility was designed with sustainability as a core principle, featuring:
- Energy-efficient laboratory systems reducing carbon footprint by an estimated 35% compared to conventional designs
- Solar panels providing approximately 20% of the facility’s energy needs
- Rainwater harvesting systems and water recycling technologies reducing consumption
- Green roof sections supporting local biodiversity
“As we work to create a healthier future through vaccine innovation, we’re equally committed to minimizing our environmental impact,” noted Dr. Ottlik. “This facility demonstrates that scientific excellence and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Looking Forward
The Oxford Scientific Operations facility represents a significant step in Bilex Pharma’s growth strategy, enhancing the company’s research capabilities while strengthening its position within the UK life sciences sector.
“This inauguration marks not just the opening of a building, but the beginning of a new chapter in our scientific journey,” concluded Dr. Ottlik. “The work that will be conducted here promises to accelerate our progress toward vaccines that address major global health challenges, ultimately protecting communities worldwide.”
For more information about Bilex Pharma’s research facilities or career opportunities at the Oxford site, please visit our website or contact our communications team.
About Bilex Pharma
Bilex Pharma is a UK-based biotechnology company dedicated to advancing human health through groundbreaking research and innovative vaccine development. Our mission is to protect communities worldwide by combating infectious diseases and emerging health threats with safe, effective, and accessible vaccines.