A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Ms Frazer following speeches by Professor Ben Whalley, Director of Research, Richard Potts, Clinical Operations Director, and Neil Tween, Group Financial Controller. Ms Frazer then toured the new facility alongside members of the local team to gain a deeper understanding about the company and its pioneering work.
Lucy Frazer QC MP commented: “It was with the greatest pleasure that I opened the expanded premises of GW Pharmaceuticals in Histon. GW are engaged in pioneering and life changing work. Their investment in Histon highlights, once again, what we have to offer in terms of expertise and excellence in our region. I am delighted that the company is progressing so well and breaking new ground in this important field of research and development.”
Adam George, Managing Director – UK, also said: “The official opening of our expanded Histon site confirms Cambridgeshire’s strategic importance to GW Pharmaceuticals as we continue to develop our world-leading position in cannabinoid science and medicines. The area has the people, skills and resources that an international business such as GW Pharmaceuticals requires. I would like to thank Ms Frazer for her support and guidance and, on behalf of GW Pharmaceuticals, we look forward to working closely with her and to playing a supportive role in the local community.”
As GW Pharmaceuticals’ global Head Office, the Histon site has been a critical role in in the company’s continued success. It is the location of record for all clinical programmes and is, therefore, subject to inspection from the US Food and Drug Administration, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and other clinical regulatory bodies. GW Pharmaceuticals is delighted that all have been successful.
The facility, which extends GW Pharmaceuticals presence in Cambridge by an additional 4,000 square feet, will immediately accommodate 107 dedicated staff and an additional 36 ‘field-based’ staff who will regularly use the site operating across clinical operations, which will coordinate the company’s R&D programmes throughout the world; pharmacovigilance, ensuring global patient safety; and regulatory affairs, working closely with medicine agencies across the world on clinical programmes and filing for commercial launches. Further positions are due to be recruited throughout 2019.