Creabilis site at Womenswold will maintain clinical development of drugs

A European drugs company giving relief to people with skin problems is setting up a UK operation in Kent.

Creabilis, based in Luxembourg, has moved to Womenswold, near Canterbury.

The biotechnology business specialises in creating treatments for dermatology and inflammatory diseases. Its latest discovery is a new treatment for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Scientists will maintain the clinical development of new drugs at the Womenswold complex.

Creabilis already has strong Kent links. Senior managers Dr David Roblin, James Sandy, Alex Leech and Dr Peter Spargo used to work at Pfizer's Sandwich site.

Creabilis is using £12m raised from investors such as Abbott Biotech Ventures, NeoMed and Sofinnova Partners to develop the Womenswold project and a pipeline of drugs.

Chief executive Dr Eliot Forster said: "Our decision to establish a presence in Kent is testimony to the quality of industry professionals we believe the region attracts as well as its exceptionally strong links with the international pharmaceutical industry.

"We look forward to playing an active part in continuing the county's tradition as a centre of excellence for innovative businesses as we advance our products through clinical development."

Paul Wookey, chief executive of Locate in Kent, the agency promoting the county as a great place for business, said Creabilis' decision reinforced the region's reputation for being at the forefront of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.