THE work of a chemist at Pfizer in Sandwich has been recognised with a prestigious award.

Dr Mark Bunnage has been presented with the Salters' Jerwood Prize for Chemistry in industry.

It is the Institute's top award and is given to an individual under the age of 35 who has made a substantial mark as a chemist and has an equally promising future.

In the seven years since Dr Bunnage started at Pfizer he has been involved in the discovery of a number of potential new medicines.

These include potential treatments for respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), thrombosis and erectile dysfunction.

Dr Bunnage said: "I am delighted to be recognised by the Salters' Institute in this way. Medicinal discovery is very much a team effort and I must honour my colleagues within Pfizer.

"Between us we face enormous odds and screen hundreds of thousands of chemical leads in discovery to find one that progresses into development. Around only 1 in 15 of these make it to patients - but we do so with the excitement of knowing that we might make a discovery that will change patients' lives."

Dr Bunnage added that for many years the Salters' Institute has recognised and encouraged young chemists to pursue an education and a career in the industry.