New Biolab for CDP’s HQ

CDP has just opened a brand-new biological laboratory at its Cambridge HQ, certified to allow research on containment level 2 biological hazards such as micro-organisms, blood and other body products.

‘We are delighted to announce that our new lab has now received approval from the UK Health and Safety Executive,’ says Dr Richard Owen, CDP’s senior bioscience consultant.

‘This new facility allows CDP to grow and handle a wide range of different microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa as well as animal and human blood, bone and tissue samples.’

The lab will allow CDP’s scientists and engineers to work on projects such as medical diagnostics, insulin-testing for diabetes and other health-related projects in-house at its Cambridge base. Previously, such research had to be out-sourced to external partners.

Richard, who joined CDP in the summer of 2018, set up the facility and generated the appropriate protocols and documentation so that it meets the required specifications. Richard has extensive experience in researching medical products and previously co-founded a start-up at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. He says, ‘I am delighted to add this capability to CDP’s range of product development services. It is the final piece of the jigsaw that allows CDP to offer end-to-end development of diagnostics assays, instrumentation and medical devices.’

Dan Haworth, CDP’s head of diagnostics, also welcomes the news: “Here at CDP, we have previously developed a range of diagnostic platforms and now have the capability to carry out performance testing in-house with viable micro-organisms. This will greatly speed up our design process.’

Matt Brady, head of medical therapy at CDP, adds: “This new facility allows us to do early-stage concept testing with clinical samples as well as full verification and validation studies in-house. Our clients will benefit hugely from the full testing capability we are now able to offer.’

For more details, contact Dr Richard Owen on: Richard.Owen@cambridge-design.com