Aberdeen's Biovation to Close

An Aberdeen-based biotech company that is playing a critical role in developing treatments for chronic diseases is being closed down by its Frankfurt-based parent, the pharmaceutical giant Merck. Biovation, based at the Aberdeen Science & Technology Park, is involved in the development of drugs that could revolutionise the treatment of arthritis. Its scientists are also involved in attempting to find treatments for thrombosis, inflammatory diseases and cancer. But Merck -- which acquired Biovation for a reported £20 million in October 2000 -- said the company will close "over the course of this year" with the loss of 18 jobs.

()a href="http://www.sundayherald.com/50079" target="_blank">Sunday Herald