Covance, a contract research company, opened a large extension to its science facilities at Harrogate last week. Harrogate LibDem MP Phil Willis and Science & Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury spoke at the opening celebrations. This new centre, which will use animals -mainly rats and mice - alongside other research methods, is part of a new “bio-science” (a mixture of chemistry and biology) complex. Crucial work is being done here to develop new medicines based on genetic analysis. The focus is medicines which are custom-designed for a particular task and particular genetic profiles. One fascinating area of great interest is the development of inhaled drugs, making it possible to absorb medicines through the lungs. 

The local community is largely supportive and did not oppose the expansion plans. The company recruited about 100 new people and there will be further recruitment over the year. The investment is good news for the local economy and the UK as a whole since Covance could have invested almost anywhere in the world.