Viral centre receives funding

The world’s only viral research centre that uses human volunteers under quarantine conditions has received £2.6m of investment to begin drug development.

Retroscreen Virology, based in the UK, received the investment through fundraising led by Aquarius Equity Partners with IP Venture Fund, a fund managed by IP Group plc's venture capital subsidiary.

In the past, the centre’s studies focused on respiratory viruses, but the new funds will allow researchers there to investigate enteric viruses such as norovirus.

John Lyon, chairman of Retroscreen Virology, said: ‘The team at Aquarius Equity Partners are committed backers of innovative technology and their investment in Retroscreen is a testament to the expertise and unique research services Retroscreen provides to its clients. The proceeds will be used to grow our business, ensuring that Retroscreen remains at the forefront of virology research and development.’

Steve Sealey, chairman of Aquarius Equity Partners, said that his group is looking forward to providing Retroscreen Virology with the support it needs to ‘realise the full potential of the company’.