Oxford Life Sciences companies recognised at the OBN Awards
OBN (UK) Ltd, the membership organisation that supports the life sciences industry, revealed the winners of the 2020 OBN Awards, IN PERSON. The awards were presented at the postponed evening in London on Friday 11 June.
The Awards, which are in their 12th year, shine a light on companies at all stages of development, recognising leadership, innovation, novel approaches to unmet clinical need, outstanding company progression and the delivery of real-life tangible results. The OBN Awards celebrate fresh and innovative deals and collaborations, as well as the critical role that support organisations play in helping the life sciences industry thrive.
John Harris, CEO of OBN, said: “It was a massive pleasure to finally be able to welcome all our guests in person to the 12th OBN Awards and seeing everyone interacting and having such a fabulous time was truly satisfying. The prestigious surroundings of the Royal Lancaster Hotel were a perfect backdrop for celebrating the success of some of the most inspirational companies and individuals from across the life sciences industry.
"The huge number of entries we received once again emphasised the sheer scale, quality, and resilience of our life sciences sector, which continues to thrive despite the recent challenging circumstances. The OBN Awards continues to go from strength-to-strength and congratulations to all our finalists and winners who shone through against intense competition."
Many companies across the region were included in the award-winners.
Best Emerging Biotech Company, sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Winner - Evox Therapeutics
The Oxford-based biotechnology company focuses on improving the natural delivery capabilities of exosomes, and developing an entirely new class of therapeutics.
Best COVID-19 Responder - Winners included
Oxford Biomedica
One of the lead manufacturers of the Oxford-AstraZeneca chimp adenovirus vector based COVID-19 vaccine, AZD1222.
Based in Kidlington, Oxford, one of the world’s first recognised commercial suppliers of SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
Dr Nick Roesen, Chief Operating Officer, The Native Antigen Company, said: “To be recognised by this prestigious award is testament to our hard work and progress over the past year. Central to stemming the transmission of disease is the availability of high-quality reagents for diagnosis, antibody testing and the development of safe and effective vaccines. Our commitment to supplying vital reagents, especially in such challenging and unprecedented times, is a proud achievement. We look forward to continuing this work to expand our support for infectious disease research.”
Best Established Medtech Company, presented by Focus
Winner - Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd was founded in 2005 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford. The company now employs about 600 employees from multiple disciplines including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation.
Best Established Biotech Company – Oncology, sponsored by Syneos Health
Winner - Adaptimmune
Based at Milton Park in Oxfordshire, Adaptimmune builds affinity-enhanced T-cell therapies aimed at destroying cancer cells. Its therapies work with the immune system to improve the detection and targeting of those cancer cells.
Best Established Biotech Company, sponsored by Precision for Medicine
Winner - Exscientia
Exscientia applies AI to precision engineer medicines more rapidly and efficiently
