Bilex Pharma is pleased to announce the official opening of its new Technical Operations Centre in Glasgow, Scotland, marking a significant expansion of the company’s UK-based capabilities and strengthening its commitment to building integrated vaccine development and manufacturing expertise within the United Kingdom.
Strategic Investment in Scottish Innovation
The 5,200 square meter facility, located at the West of Scotland Science Park, represents a £28 million investment in advanced technical capabilities that complement Bilex Pharma’s existing research and development operations in Cambridge and Oxford. The Glasgow centre will serve as the company’s hub for engineering excellence, digital innovation, and technical support for vaccine manufacturing.
“The opening of our Glasgow Technical Operations Centre represents a critical component of Bilex Pharma’s integrated approach to vaccine development,” said Dr. Andras Ottlik, CEO and Director of Bilex Pharma, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “By establishing specialized capabilities across the UK, we’re creating a comprehensive ecosystem that enables seamless transition from early research through commercial manufacturing.”
The facility’s opening was attended by Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, senior officials from Scottish Enterprise, and representatives from local academic institutions, highlighting the significance of the investment for Scotland’s life sciences sector.
Specialized Technical Capabilities
The Glasgow Technical Operations Centre houses four specialized units designed to support Bilex Pharma’s vaccine development and manufacturing activities:
Equipment Design and Validation Unit
This specialized engineering facility focuses on developing and qualifying customized production and testing equipment for vaccine manufacturing, ensuring optimal performance in GMP environments.
“Vaccine production often requires highly specialized equipment that isn’t available off-the-shelf,” explained Dr. Robert Gordon, Vice President of Technical Operations at Bilex Pharma. “Our equipment design team develops tailored solutions for specific manufacturing challenges, from custom bioreactors to specialized filling systems, enhancing our control over critical production processes.”
Automation and Control Systems Division
This advanced technology group develops sophisticated monitoring and control systems for vaccine manufacturing processes, integrating sensors, data analytics, and control algorithms to enhance production reliability and quality.
“In modern vaccine manufacturing, process control is paramount for consistent quality,” said Dr. Margaret Campbell, Head of Automation Systems. “Our team implements advanced control systems that maintain precise conditions throughout production, while providing comprehensive data for process understanding and continuous improvement.”
Digital Twin Development Laboratory
This innovative facility creates virtual replicas of physical manufacturing processes, enabling simulation, optimization, and troubleshooting without disrupting actual production operations.
“Digital twin technology represents a transformative approach to process development,” noted Dr. Iain MacLeod, Director of Digital Sciences. “By creating high-fidelity virtual models of our manufacturing processes, we can test changes, optimize parameters, and solve problems in a risk-free virtual environment before implementing them in actual production.”
Technical Training Facility
This comprehensive training center ensures Bilex Pharma team members develop and maintain the specialized skills required for advanced vaccine production and testing.
“Vaccine manufacturing requires highly specialized knowledge and skills,” said Dr. Fiona Stewart, Head of Technical Training. “Our facility provides hands-on training in a simulated GMP environment, allowing team members to master complex procedures without the constraints of an operational manufacturing setting.”
Supporting Manchester Manufacturing Operations
The Glasgow Technical Operations Centre will work in close coordination with Bilex Pharma’s planned manufacturing facility in Manchester, providing critical technical support throughout process development, scale-up, and commercial production.
“The capabilities we’ve established in Glasgow provide essential technical backbone for our manufacturing operations,” explained Dr. Gordon. “From equipment design through process automation to ongoing technical support, our Glasgow team ensures that manufacturing activities proceed with maximum efficiency and reliability.”
This collaborative approach has already proven valuable in preparing for the company’s Phase 3 RSV vaccine trials, with the Glasgow team developing specialized equipment and control systems for the production of clinical trial materials.
Leveraging Scottish Engineering Excellence
The decision to locate Bilex Pharma’s technical operations in Glasgow reflects the region’s strong tradition of engineering excellence and growing reputation for digital innovation.
“Scotland offers an exceptional combination of engineering talent, digital expertise, and supportive innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Ottlik. “Glasgow’s universities produce world-class graduates in disciplines critical to our operations, while the region’s growing life sciences cluster provides valuable collaboration opportunities.”
The site’s location at the West of Scotland Science Park places it within a thriving innovation community, with proximity to the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and numerous technology companies.
Employment and Economic Impact
The new facility has created 70 high-skilled technical positions, with plans to expand to approximately 120 staff within the next two years. Roles include process engineers, automation specialists, digital modeling experts, validation engineers, and technical trainers.
“We’re building a diverse team with expertise spanning traditional engineering disciplines through cutting-edge digital technologies,” said Dr. Gordon. “The response to our recruitment efforts has been exceptional, demonstrating the depth of talent available in the Glasgow region.”
The facility is expected to make significant contributions to the local economy, both through direct employment and by strengthening Scotland’s capabilities in advanced pharmaceutical technology.
Sustainable Design and Operations
Consistent with Bilex Pharma’s commitment to sustainability, the Glasgow facility incorporates numerous environmentally friendly features:
- Highly efficient building management systems reducing energy consumption
- Rooftop solar panels generating approximately 15% of the facility’s electricity needs
- Heat recovery systems capturing and reusing thermal energy
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure for staff and visitors
- Sustainable laboratory practices minimizing waste and resource consumption
“From initial design through daily operations, sustainability has been a core consideration,” noted Dr. Ottlik. “As we work to improve global health through vaccine innovation, we’re equally committed to minimizing our environmental impact.”
Collaboration with Scottish Academia
The opening ceremony highlighted Bilex Pharma’s plans for collaboration with Scottish academic institutions, including:
- A joint research program with the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Chemical and Process Engineering focusing on continuous manufacturing technologies
- PhD studentships in collaboration with the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, exploring applications of artificial intelligence in bioprocess monitoring
- An undergraduate internship program providing practical experience for engineering and computer science students
“Academic partnerships are central to our innovation strategy,” said Dr. Gordon. “By connecting with Scotland’s excellent universities, we access emerging technologies and fresh perspectives while contributing to the development of future talent.”
Looking Forward
The Glasgow Technical Operations Centre represents a key component of Bilex Pharma’s expanding UK infrastructure, complementing the company’s research operations in Cambridge and Oxford, and supporting future manufacturing in Manchester.
“With the opening of this facility, we’ve taken another significant step in building an integrated, UK-based vaccine development and manufacturing capability,” concluded Dr. Ottlik. “The specialized expertise we’re establishing in Glasgow will be instrumental in bringing our vaccine candidates from concept to commercial reality, ultimately helping to protect communities worldwide from infectious disease threats.”
For more information about Bilex Pharma’s technical operations or career opportunities at the Glasgow 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.