Since 2022, DEMO SA has given a new momentum to northern Greece with the creation of the Center for Research & Development in Thermi.
In a space of 2,400 sqm, which hosts 13 independent laboratories, the company sets the bar high: 127 new formulations by 2027, at a rate of 5 active substances and 21 final drugs a year.
Already, about 100 young scientists have staffed the center, reversing the brain drain and enhancing the country’s research base.
At the steering wheel of the growth unit Raw materials Located by Dr. Harris cutter, Doctor of Organic Chemistry of the Aristotle University KC Nicharou.
Dr. Cutter – which has over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry – spoke to newsit.gr and Yianna Soulaki, For the plans of innovative Hub in the coming years, which aspires to bring Greece – and Europe – closer to pharmaceutical self -sufficiency.
Q: The Research & Development Center in Thessaloniki was inaugurated in 2022 as part of a large investment plan. It has 13 independent laboratories, 403 Laboratory organs and – among other things – the unique NMR outside the university Space in Greece. Three years later, what is the report? What do you have Does it happen to this day and what remains as a “bet” for the future?
HK: The Research and Development Center in Thessaloniki has already completed more than three years of uninterrupted, full operation, and continues to evolve at a uninterrupted pace. It is really impressive how much we can achieve by the means at our disposal. The Research and Development Center operates as a fully integrated and independent unit, with absolute autonomy in the processes where we operate. Our laboratories have been manned by specialized high -training scientific staff, creating an environment of innovation and technological superiority. This combination enables us to develop products immediately, independently and without delay. We are not limited to our original goals; we look forward, looking for new challenges and opportunities, utilizing the advanced technology we have developed and constantly enhancing our know -how. The future of the research is built here – with passion, vision and consistency.
Q: You have set the ambitious goal of developing 5 active substances and 21 finals products every year. How realistic is this goal and what are the First results you see to date?
HK: The goals we set from the beginning remain stable. We are completely aligned with our business and have conquered our original purposes. We continue consistently, while exploring new strategic directions, as well as research and technological opportunities, which we can implement within our facilities, thanks to our operational flexibility and infrastructure. This reference is made to technologies developed during the first years of operation of the Center, which are expected to give the company a substantial competitive advantage in the innovation and differentiation of our products.
Q: Staffing with about 100 young scientists of highly specialized Important step for the country’s brain gain. How easy it is to attract and Keep these scientific talents in Greece?
HK: Although this finding is often repeated, it is also my personal account: Greece has excellent human resources, with strong bases in both basic and postgraduate academic education. It is characterized by an open spirit, creative thinking and a high level of theoretical and technical training – elements that, compared to other countries and continents, give a competitive advantage. The combination of increased competitiveness in the Greek labor market with the ability of young researchers to implement their scientific concerns within private bodies is a highly effective framework for attracting and maintaining high value talent, as it was aptly mentioned.
Q: How is the work done in the research center in practice translated into practice Development of Thessaloniki? You can explain to us how this know -how Is it utilized in the productive units of Tripoli?
HK: Technology and know -how developed within the Organization are to directly supply the production units in Tripoli, enhancing the operational synergy between research and industrial structures. As a fully integrated company, with the possibilities of design, growth and production in all our areas of activity, we have the opportunity to adapt and evolve our products based on techno -economic analysis and evaluation, ensuring the smooth transfer of know -how to productive units. Indicatively, the development of a new product with a potential competitive advantage can be fully implemented within the group, enhancing innovation and ensuring intellectual property through R&D internal processes.
Q: One of Demo’s strategic goals is to reduce its dependency Europe from Asian raw materials. After all, it is the goal of the whole EU. Is it really realistic to talk about European self -sufficiency? And what role will the Thessaloniki in this?
HK: Strengthening European self -sufficiency is now an EU strategic objective, which we follow consistently and dynamism. In a global environment of interdependence and constant liquidity – with energy addictions and raw materials, geopolitical conflicts, and tax policies with international implications – the transition to self -sufficiency requires patience, perseverance, targeted investment and unmistakable dedication to goals, regardless of challenges. Achieving this strategy requires the reinstatement of modern productive units in Europe, which, unfortunately, have moved to Asia in recent decades. Once the political will is maintained, productive reconstruction is possible. However, the crucial element is not only productive infrastructure, but the possession of applied and commercially useful know -how. The discovery of new technologies, innovation and the possibility of integrating them into production processes are the core of competitiveness. At the DEMO Research and Development Center in Thessaloniki, we invest in today’s technology, while at the same time building tomorrow’s innovation and know -how – with the aim of creating a strong identity and achieving functional self -sufficiency.