Cambridge Discovery Chemistry and Zeneca Agrochemicals Announce Major Chemistry R&D Collaboration

The collaboration will enable the companies to combine world-class combinatorial chemistry expertise and expand their chemistry capacity in North America. Cambridge Discovery Chemistry will take over responsibility for Zeneca's chemistry research facility in Richmond, California, and the partnership will provide flexibility in managing the level of resources required in discovery programs. The agreement aims to establish a high-quality research base in the US and create a strong medicinal chemistry function in San Francisco.

Key Takeaways:

• The collaboration will provide Cambridge Discovery Chemistry with a major chemistry R&D facility in the US, expanding its business in North America.
• The partnership will enable the companies to combine their expertise in combinatorial chemistry and provide flexibility in managing resources required in discovery programs.
• The agreement will create a high-quality research base in the US, with a strong medicinal chemistry function in San Francisco.
• Cambridge Discovery Chemistry will be able to expand the facilities to accommodate ongoing growth requirements and new discovery programs from its pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and biotechnology business.
• The partnership involves Cambridge Discovery Chemistry providing chemistry services to Zeneca, with the potential to increase the number of participating research scientists.
• Zeneca Agrochemicals' Director of Research and Development, Dr. David Evans, stated that the collaboration offers the opportunity to combine world-class combinatorial chemistry expertise in a flexible research arrangement.
• Dr. Allan Marchington, Chief Executive of Cambridge Discovery Chemistry, commented that the agreement will allow the company to expand its chemistry capacity and establish a high-quality research base in the US.

Statistics:

• Zeneca Agrochemicals' sales in 1998 were $2.88 billion in over 130 countries.
• The company has approximately 1,700 employees in North America.
• Cambridge Discovery Chemistry has secured many discovery collaborations with a range of pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and biotechnology companies globally.
• The company provides world-class, innovative chemistry services to accelerate discovery and process research, servicing the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and biotechnology industries.

Sources:

• Business Wire, "Cambridge Discovery Chemistry and Zeneca Agrochemicals Announce Major Chemistry R&D Collaboration," December 13, 1999.
• Cambridge Discovery Chemistry website, "About Us," (no date provided).
• Oxford Molecular Group plc website, "Company Overview," (no date provided).
• Zeneca Agrochemicals website, "Company Overview," December 2, 1999.