2nd Apr 2020 06:59
(Alliance News) - Science Group PLC on Tuesday said it is currently negotiating a manufacturing contract with the UK government as part of a ventilator programme.
The contract is for 10,000 Sagentia Ventilator units, development of this ventilator having been funded by the UK government both in terms of time and of materials.
So far, 20 trial units are being manufactured and will be submitted to the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Science Group stressed that approval for the Sagentia Ventilator is not guaranteed and noted that the contract is dependent on such approval.
However, provided approval is granted, the contract is expected "to provide Science Group with the necessary working capital and cash flow for materials procurement, labour, overheads and set up cost". Some "long lead-time components" have been ordered already so as to speed up the ventilator's manufacturing schedule.
Science Group said: "From first concept to manufactured medical device in one month is a formidable challenge set by the UK government. But these are extraordinary times. The Sagentia Ventilator team have exhibited incredible dedication and commitment and the Science Group Board is proud of the remarkable achievement and the potential contribution that the group is making to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Science Group also acknowledge the unprecedented collaboration between normally competitor Cambridge-based consultancies, together with the support provided by the UK Government in their determination to deliver this critical initiative. The [Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System] programme has again demonstrated the outstanding and innovative capability of British science and engineering."
By Anna Farley; [email protected]
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