Leading Scottish biotech group launches clinical trials facility to boost global operations

Today, a new clinical trials business launches in Scotland as a Glasgow-based world leader in research expands its global business offering. A key player in the biotech industry and multimillion-pound Scottish success story, the Intelligent Tissue Group (ITG) has launched Intelligent Clinical - a clinical trials facility set up to assess the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and health-related products by pharmaceutical, medical device and food manufacturing companies.

Located in a state of the art, purpose-built research facility at the West of Scotland Science Park, Intelligent Clinical will manage the whole trial process for its clients, from recruiting study participants, providing clinical expertise and assessments during study visits, right through to the collection of clinical trial data.

Intelligent Clinical will be led by ITG’s latest senior hire, Ellie Robertson, a specialist in clinical research, who will oversee new projects from clients around the world. The trials can range from 40 to 5000 patients globally and investigate a range of products including new medicines, treatments, medical devices and health products.

Intelligent Clinical has created an initial four jobs with plans for further expansion over the next 12 months. The roles include a research physician, a research nurse and a clinical coordinator, Intelligent Clinical’s research will focus on a broad range of health conditions to support the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, medical devices, food and over the counter products. The company already has a database reach of over 2.5 million potential study participants within central Scotland.

Ellie Robertson, Managing Director at Intelligent Clinical, said: “There has never been a more vital time to offer the reassurance of our clinical excellence to clients who are researching new treatments for our global community. We’re here to help when health matters most.

“Our experienced clinical team is well-qualified to provide their expertise on a significant number and range of project enquiries and is ready to assist with every step of the clinical trial process. Setting up Intelligent Clinical and readying it to launch as the latest business in a fast-growing group has been an exceptionally exciting time.

I’m looking forward to getting started and to bring my knowledge and expertise in this sector to the role.” Morag McFarlane, CEO and founding director of the ITG, said: “The launch of Intelligent Clinical marks the latest milestone in our ambitious growth strategy. The company will both complement and enhance our current offering, sitting alongside Tissue Solutions and HistologiX, and will enable us to extend the range of highly specialized services we provide for our global client base.

“We’re proud to be playing our part in helping to find answers and solutions to many debilitating illnesses and to further positioning Scotland as a world leader in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.”

Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, said: “I am very pleased to see this latest investment in the life sciences sector in Scotland which will add to the existing skilled community at the West of Scotland Science Park.

“Collaborative partnerships like this demonstrate the range of specialist capabilities in the clinical trial process in Scotland and this latest enterprise will strengthen our reputation globally, as well as making a valuable and welcome contribution to the continued growth and success of the life sciences sector.”

ITG provides a unique range of products and services to support clients from concept through to clinical trial success. The group facilitates a dynamic one-stop shop for ethical human biomaterial procurement, tissue related services and clinical trials, playing an integral part in helping to transform research into life-saving solutions.

For more of the latest science news, straight to your inbox, become a member of SelectScience for free today>>