Right here stands Napp Pharmaceuticals. It is a private pharmaceutical company with a rich history. Founded in 1923, Napp was acquired by the Sackler family in 1966.
Napp is headquartered in the Cambridge Science Park. It shares this location with the Napp Research Centre. Both are sister companies to Purdue Pharma and Mundipharma. These companies are owned by descendants of Mortimer and Raymond Sackler.
Napp produces various pharmaceutical products. Many are focused on pain management. Branded forms of oxycodone are among their key drugs. These drugs have been identified in connection with the opioid epidemic.
In the early 1970s, Napp scientists developed a unique delivery system. This system allowed a pill to be slowly absorbed by the body. It continuously delivered the drug over a 12-hour period. This Continus system was first used by Purdue. They introduced MST Continus in 1987. Oxycontin followed eight years later.
Napp Research Centre is a landmark in Cambridge. It is known for its innovative architecture. The centre was constructed in the Cambridge Science Park. Napp Pharmaceutical Group built it. They produce analgesic, oncology, and respiratory products.
The 28-acre site includes land from Trinity College and St John’s College. Sir John Bradfield promoted the site. The plant covers 110,000 square feet. Napp had other plants in Leavesden and West Drayton. Research took place in Aberdeen too. The company was known for Betadine, a common germicide in British hospitals.
Construction of the Napp Research Centre began in January 1981. It was designed by architect Arthur Erickson in 1979. Yakeley Associates served as the architect. The building features a buttress style of architecture.
The building boasts 102 concrete ribs. Each rib is 10 meters high and weighs 18 tonnes. The exterior features mirror-reflective double glazing. A reflective pool on the south side serves as a reservoir for the fire-fighting sprinkler system.
Many notable figures have visited Napp Research Centre. Prince Philip visited in 1985. Princess Margaret visited later that year. Abel Aganbegyan, chief economic advisor to Mikhail Gorbachev, toured the facility in 1987. Margaret Thatcher visited in 1988. King Abdullah II of Jordan also visited in 2001.
Napp collaborates with the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology. The manufacturing area once had a visitor’s gallery. The building’s mirrored glass caused solar glare to passing traffic. John Laing Research & Development Ltd calculated the glare.
Napp has a strong track record in bringing innovative medicines to the UK. The company strives to meet genuine needs. It aims to make a positive difference in patients’ lives. Napp supports the NHS in delivering effective healthcare. The Napp Research Centre stands as a testament to innovation and progress.