Minister for Universities and Science launches new public-private imaging centre
15 May 2012
Imanova, a new state-of-the-art imaging centre co-owned by the Medical Research Council and three of London’s leading universities, has been formally launched at a showcase event attended by representatives from the founding organisations and Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science.
Imanova is a pioneering public-private collaboration formed by the Medical Research Council, Kings College London, UCL (University College London) and Imperial College London. From a site established and previously run by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, Imanova now plans to become an internationally renowned imaging centre and partner of choice for industry and academia looking to use its world-class imaging facilities.
With both PET and MRI scanning in the same centre, researchers can image not only the activity of a medicine in the body, but also its effect on the body systems being studied. As a result researchers can see at an early stage if an investigational medicine is being effective, and discontinue development if it is not. These facilities will help to catalyse translational research, and offer the potential to significantly shorten drug development times.
Kevin Cox, Imanova CEO, explained the concept of Imanova and the impact they are having: “This is a novel collaboration, both between leading academic institutions and between academia and industry, which has been set up to act as a catalyst across the innovation pipeline. Our aim is to accelerate the translation of great science into clinically and commercially relevant products and services.
David Willetts MP spoke to highlight the Government’s support for the collaborative approach that Imanova is pioneering: “The Government’s life sciences strategy underlined the importance of collaboration between the research base and industry as a means of driving growth and innovation. Imanova is an excellent example of this. It brings together leading academics and businesses to accelerate drug discovery and development, and is also attracting overseas investment.”
John Savill, MRC Chief Executive said: “One of my top strategic objectives is to promote mutually beneficial interactions between industry and the MRC-funded research community. I am delighted to be present at the launch of this exciting new initiative in which GSK has played such an important role. I am also keen to see the MRC facilitate collaborations between universities and am delighted that we are working closely with Imperial College, Kings College and University College London. I have no doubt that Imanova will become a magnet for partnerships in high quality research across the UK, adding value to imaging facilities right across the country.”
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For further information, additional quotes and interview opportunities, please contact:
Claire Hose Darcey Bowman
Imanova Munro & Forster
Tel: 020 8008 6025 Tel: 07793 963 866
Email: claire.hose@imanova.co.uk Email: darcy.bowman@munroforster.com
ABOUT IMANOVA:
• Imanova is an independent company formed by a pioneering collaboration between the Medical Research Council and three of London’s leading universities: UCL (University College London), King’s College London and Imperial College London
• Imanova was previously an industry owned imaging centre and now intends to build on this legacy to become a centre of scientific excellence and partner of choice for industry looking to use the imaging sciences in drug development
• Due to their unique model of collaborative ownership and plans to partner with industry Imanova was highlighted as a key case study in the UK Life Sciences Strategy, launched in a speech by David Cameron in December 2011
• The launch event will include keynote speeches, a guided tour of the facilities, scientific posters, an art exhibition and demonstrations of practical examples of some of Imanova’s most innovative work to date
