A COMPANY making new medicines to tackle diseases at a low cost, has won international recognition for its work,

Avecia Biotechnology, the Advanced Biologics Centre in Billingham, has had a successful inspection by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) which is responsible for controlling the development and sale of medicines throughout the UK.

The successful audit by the MCA is recognition of the quality systems, facilities and staff at the Billingham company.

Dr Stephen Taylor, general manager of Avecia said: "Certification by a leading regulatory agency sends a positive message to customers on our ability to produce innovative biological medicines to the very highest industry standards." Avecia Biotechnology opened in 1998 and was designed to develop and manufacture vaccines and new medicines to treat skin diseases, forms of cancer and heart disease.

It is hoped the new recognition will help the business grow, creating employment and wealth in the North-East and North Yorkshire.