Novabiotics Ltd - a spinout of the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health - won the Rising Star Award for 2009 at the BioIndustry Association (BIA) Thistle Bioscience Forum last week.
The Rising Star Award recognises companies thatthrough their presentation, demonstrate to the panel a clear vision of ambitions for development together with an analysis of their business model and technologies.
NovaBiotics, based in Aberdeen, is a drug design company which plans to commercialise a new class of antimicrobial peptide therapies.
Dr Barbara Blaney, Director, BIA Scotland, said: "With a strong presentation on their core technology platform, strategy for market and competitor awareness, as a 'clinic-ready' company, Novabiotics was chosen unanimously by the panel as winner."
Dr Deborah O'Neil, CEO and CSO of Novabiotics; said: "I'm delighted that in such a key year for the business, our technology and commercial focus have been recognised by peers from the life science community. As we make that all important shift to becoming a clinical phase company, an award such as this validates the business model we've applied to achieve this and the successes that the whole NovaBiotics team have delivered from this platform."
The BIA Thistle Bioscience Forum attracted the life sciences community from the UK and beyond to discuss the secrets for success through collaborations, deals and new ventures. With business development so key to company growth in the current economic climate, the Forum focused on funding opportunities, collaborations, licensing, working with big pharma and the research councils.
Dr Barbara Blaney, Director, BIA Scotland, said: "The life sciences sector has been, and can continue to be, an economic success story for Scotland. It is so encouraging to see the wealth of talent driving the industry forward."