Particology, a particle science specialist firm based at Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, has been selected to take part in an £8.2 million research consortium aimed at making medicine manufacture more efficient and sustainable.
The three-and-a-half-year, government-backed project forms part of Innovate UK’s £54 million Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme. It is one of eight ‘Grand Challenge’ projects designed to develop and demonstrate new technologies in the field.
The consortium’s investment has already enabled Particology to hire a spectroscopy research associate, based at its Sandwich site, who will begin work in January.
Particology is focusing on the crystallisation of active pharmaceutical ingredients, using particle science and precision sensing to study crystals in greater detail than before. Crystallisation is a key step in drug development, purifying the active ingredients before they are packaged as tablets or capsules.
The company’s research aims to improve real-time confirmation of crystallisation quality, allowing medicines to be produced with fewer materials, reduced waste, and lower energy requirements. Initial testing and development will focus on paracetamol and other common medicines, with the ultimate goal of creating technology applicable to medicine manufacturers worldwide. The project is expected to run until 2029.
Dr John Murphy, chief operating officer at Particology, said: “This innovative programme will transform the future of medicines manufacture, making production more efficient and sustainable. The investment from Innovate UK has already allowed us to expand our team and work with local partners, providing a much-needed boost to the scientific ecosystem right here in Kent.”
Mark Talford, deputy director for medicines manufacturing at Innovate UK, added: “With funding from the VPAG Investment Programme, Innovate UK’s Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme is driving greener, more efficient approaches to medicines production. Seeing Particology lead this work at Discovery Park in Kent demonstrates how regional innovation can deliver national impact. This collaboration will not only advance cutting-edge crystallisation technologies but also create high-value jobs and expertise, reinforcing Kent’s long-standing role in the UK’s life sciences sector and helping keep the UK at the forefront of global pharmaceutical manufacturing.”
Chris Broom, head of business development at Discovery Park, said: “This latest Innovate UK grant is testament to the incredible expertise of the Particology team. Bringing this project to Kent demonstrates what’s possible when you combine world-class scientific talent with supportive infrastructure. Discovery Park is proud to be home to game-changing research on sustainable medicines manufacture.”
Founded in 2024 by seven co-founders from Sandwich, Particology has almost doubled its headcount to 12, serving clients across pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture and cosmetics. All the co-founders previously worked for Pfizer, which cut 500 jobs at its Discovery Park base in November 2023.
