PIONEERING biotechnology firm ReViral has found that NETPark has been the ideal place to grow the business and carry out its cutting edge research.
The company, which opened a research facility at the Sedgefield-based technology park in 2016, is due to start the next stage of clinical trials of its drug to combat Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The virus infects the lungs and can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia and is particularly dangerous in those with compromised immune systems, particularly when found in young children and the elderly.
The company, which has recently secured its next round of funding, US$55 million from US and European investors, joins scores of other high tech medical companies at NETPark which are making huge advancements in the healthcare and materials industries.
Former Durham University lecturer Dr Stuart Cockerill, chief scientific advisor at ReViral, said: “It’s been hard work to get to this point but it’s very exciting to be here now.
“We love it at NETPark. It’s a great location and a good site being among other companies such as the CPI. It’s clean and a safe site.”
Janet Todd, manager of NETPark, said: “Reviral love it here and we’ve supported them in many ways. They’ve spent a great deal of time and money fitting out their facility so we’ve pointed them in the right direction for suppliers and made introductions for their business which left them more time to focus on what they do best – research.
“With any business on NETPark, if we think a service or an introduction will benefit them we’ll pick up the phone and put them in touch.”
