From drug discovery to delivery: the science behind bringing biotherapeutics safely to patients.
- Mon 17th Nov 2025
- 19:30-21:00
- Wolfson Lecture Theatre, Churchill College, Storey's Way, Cambridge, CB3 0DS
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You can book for in-person attendance at Bookwhen, where you will also find the link for Zoom viewing.
This lecture will provide an inside look at biopharmaceutical development at AstraZeneca, where multidisciplinary science, advanced engineering, and strategic business thinking converge to transform groundbreaking molecules into life-changing medicines. This talk will reveal the remarkable spectrum of expertise—spanning molecular biology, cell culture, fermentation sciences, purification, formulation, analytical chemistry, and regulatory strategy—that drives successful innovation and delivery of modern biotherapeutics.
Professor Darton will explore the regulatory approval pathway and the business’s need for diverse scientific specialisations to navigate shifting therapeutic landscapes and bring safe, effective medicines to market. He will speak about the key stages of drug production, from the engineering of host cells and the art and science of fermentation, to the complex purification processes ensuring exceptional purity and safety.
The talk will examine how formulation scientists turn biologics into stable, deliverable medicines by leveraging sophisticated excipient technologies and delivery systems tailored for patients worldwide. Finally, discover the critical role of analytical sciences, where pioneering biophysical techniques enable us to understand, monitor, and consistently assure the quality of every therapeutic protein released.
Whether you are an academic, student, or alum, this talk will inspire with real-world insights into the collaborative journey of transforming molecular breakthroughs into life-saving medicines.
Professor Nicholas Darton, Associate Director of Biopharmaceutical Development at AstraZeneca, Honorary Professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham
Professor Nicholas Darton is the Associate Director of Biopharmaceutical Development at AstraZeneca and a Honorary Professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham. His career bridges innovation in biopharmaceutical technology across academia, start-ups, and global pharma. After gaining a BSc in Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry from the University of Leeds, he completed a Wellcome Prize-funded Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge under Prof. R.N. Perham, investigating phage display for HIV vaccines and antibacterial targets.
Professor Darton's postdoctoral work at Cambridge focused on gene therapy targeting and novel bioseparation methods, resulting in industry-adopted analytical techniques. Leading multi-disciplinary programs at Arecor Ltd., he pioneered high-throughput formulation screening and secured several Innovate UK grants for cutting-edge biologic development. At AstraZeneca, he has guided CMC formulation for five biopharmaceutical products into clinical phases, led international industry/academic collaborations, and managed strategic in-licensing of new technologies.
Professor Darton is committed to developing scientific talent, mentoring as part of AstraZeneca’s Rotational Associate Program (RAP) and through his university role. He enjoys organising and presenting at international conferences, contributing over 19 peer-reviewed publications and a Cambridge University Press book. He is always keen to share insights on transitioning between academia and industry, strategic R&D, and scientific leadership.
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