'Cambridge our Silicon Valley' says Orion Pharma as it unveils key opportunities

Headquartered in Finland but operating globally, Orion is seeking a Director, Pain and Inflammation Research which is open to applicants in the Cambridge area. It also has another opening in Cambridge in addition to this one.

The company's Biologics Research & Development Centre is based at Babraham and Outi Vaarala, Executive Vice President of Innovative Medicines and Research & Development for the company, says it has been an inspired decision to set up in Cambridge.

She says: “Cambridge is a place where the discovery of biologics truly started. It is the best possible location for us to be. The ecosystem has only strengthened since those early days. We want to be part of this fantastic environment, tapping into the world-class talent and scientific collaboration opportunities it offers.”

Vaarala says Cambridge compares favourably with other major R & D hubs like Silicon Valley and adds: “We now have just over 20 researchers working at the site, all of whom have been recruited in the past few months.

“We have been positively surprised by the number of high-quality applicants for our open positions and with how swiftly we have been able to get the new site set up. We are expecting a second wave of recruitments in the coming years and are looking to have in total around 50 employees in Cambridge by 2027–2028.”

Orion’s expansion into Cambridge marks a pivotal step in building the future of innovative treatments, Vaarala says.

“Talent from the University of Cambridge and experienced scientists from the local pharma ecosystem create an attractive environment for collaboration and recruitment. While the academic environment mainly supports technology development and collaboration, recruitment will benefit from the broad pool of experienced professionals from other pharma companies.

“The Biologics Centre complements Orion's existing R & D efforts in Finland, where small molecule discovery and development are established functional capabilities. The expansion into biologics and the creation of new sites, including the clinical development hub we opened in New York City in 2023, represent a natural evolution for Orion's global R&D structure.

“Without venturing into new treatment modalities like biologics, we would have limited our future opportunities. My task as the EVP of R & D is to think beyond the next decade. Cambridge is a central piece in this long-term vision. We are building the future, and the decisions we make today are aimed at securing our shared success.”

The establishment of the Biologics Centre is seen as a continuation of Orion's longstanding presence in the UK, where operations in Nottingham (clinical development) and Reading (commercial) have been ongoing for almost 25 years. The company’s Branded Products business division, which is responsible for Orion’s cornerstone legacy products, is likewise led from the UK.

Vice President Eugene Zhukovsky, a recent addition to Orion’s R & D leadership team and Head of the Cambridge site, emphasises the importance of maintaining the company's long history and Nordic culture.

Zhukovsky says Orion’s scientific organisation impressed him profoundly. “The people are fantastic. They represent the very best scientists in their fields. I love the enthusiastic approach, the structured plans, the clear strategy and the genuine collegial spirit.”

“Orionees are straightforward, honest, and socially aware. We strive to balance professional and home life, leading to happier and more motivated employees. Of course, there will always be challenging deadlines, but a healthy work-life balance remains a priority.”

While Orion’s low hierarchy and corporate culture are advantageous in the startup phase, the development of the Cambridge centre will also be supported by the resources and financial stability of the parent company, marked by its steady growth and more than one hundred years of history.