New AI-powered, robotic labs that will accelerate development of
new treatments for deadly diseases are to be built in Liverpool
after £10m Innovation Zone funding was agreed.
The High Containment Level 3 labs, located at the Liverpool
School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and supported by the Infection
Innovation Consortium (iiCON), will be capable of handling a
range of pathogens during development and validation of new
treatments that could save lives worldwide.
The new laboratories will be fitted with state-of-the-art
robotics, AI, and liquid handling systems to safely progress
research and development of new vaccines, drugs and diagnostics
for high-risk and deadly infectious diseases.
LSTM is already home to the largest concentration of Containment
Level 3 laboratories in the North West, which played a key role
in the rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new facility will also support the next phase of iiCON's
development, bolstering the infection innovation ecosystem
between industry, academia, and the NHS to enhance the discovery
and route to market for products that tackle infectious disease.
The new laboratories will enhance innovative human organoid
research, which involves sophisticated technologies using tissues
grown to mimic different human organs. The facilities will enable
closer collaborations with industry and potentially speed up
regulatory approval for new treatments.
As well as saving lives, the robotic laboratories are forecast to
generate £40m of investment in the first three years - creating
well-paid jobs and driving research.
Liverpool City Region Mayor said:
“Robotic labs might sound like something out of
science fiction, but this is very much science fact – and a
massive vote of confidence in our region's position as a global
leader in health innovation.
“We saw during the pandemic just how vital our local life
sciences sector is—not just to our region, but to the world. This
investment will build on that legacy, helping to fast-track
life-saving treatments while attracting new businesses, creating
high-quality jobs, and keeping our brightest minds here in the
Liverpool City Region.
“This is what devolution is all about—backing our strengths,
bringing in investment, and making sure we're shaping a
healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for our area.”
Professor Giancarlo Biagini, Pro
Vice-Chancellor for Research and
Innovation at LSTM said:
“LSTM is proud to receive this vital investment, which, alongside
funding from UKRI's Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund and
the Wolfson Foundation, enables us to establish a cutting-edge
automated facility for developing advanced human infection models
for emerging and high-consequence diseases.
“This combined £20m initiative will accelerate the preclinical
development of new therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics -
strengthening the UK's position as a global leader in health
innovation. This investment aligns with our regional commitment
to driving health innovation and regional prosperity, ensuring
that the Liverpool City Region remains at the forefront of health
science innovation and impact."
Professor Janet Hemingway, founding director of iiCON,
said:
“iiCON is delighted to support this transformative initiative. By
harnessing iiCON's extensive network of industry, academic, and
clinical partners, we will ensure this cutting-edge facility is
maximised to drive innovation and ultimately improve health
outcomes.
“This investment strengthens Liverpool City Region's position as
a global hub for infection innovation and reinforces our
commitment to fostering impactful collaborations, supporting
SMEs, and creating high-value jobs. Through iiCON's specialist
research platforms and translational expertise, we will work
closely with partners to unlock the full potential of this
facility, ensuring it delivers real-world impact for patients,
communities, and the wider economy."
Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Innovation, Cllr
said:
“iiCON is a superstar of Liverpool City Region innovation –
helping to save countless lives through its world-leading fight
to control and prevent deadly infections.
“This hi-tech investment through our health and life sciences
innovation zone programme promises to speed up the discovery of
new treatments which will drive jobs and prosperity in the city
region, while making the world a safer place.
“It will also further cement the city region's status as a global
leader in the fight against some of the world's deadliest
infections.”
Founded in 2020 with an £18.6m Government grant, iiCON has
quickly grown into a £260m programme working with a global
network of more than 1,000 organisations, creating hundreds of
jobs and bolstering the city region's R&D infection spend by
£1bn.
By enabling industry access to world-leading facilities and
expertise, it has supported 36 new products to market, with more
than 5 billion units of life saving products and treatments
reaching communities across the world.
iiCON's ambitious new lab project forms part of the 10-year
Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone programme
which is expected to attract up to £800m of public and private
investment and create 8,000 new skilled jobs to the region.
The Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone
Programme (LCR Innovation Zone Programme) is part of the
Government's national Investment Zone Programme.
