Our history
Since the 1980s, we’ve been focused on translational science. It started with technology transfer services for the Medical Research Council (MRC) and now includes providing scientific support, advice and funding.
The sale of a portion of our royalties in the cancer drug Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) gave us financial independence and our status as a ‘self-funded’ medical research charity.
Today, we use the returns from our investment portfolio and a few additional sources of income to fund everything we do.
Timeline
Our work started as the Medical Research Council (MRC) Liaison Office
Established as a charity and a company limited by guarantee – MRC Collaborative Centre
Changed our name to Medical Research Council Technology
Joined a drug discovery collaboration, the Dementia Consortium, with Alzheimer’s Research UK
MRC Technology officially rebranded as LifeArc
Philanthropic Fund and Seed Fund launched
Received royalty from the cancer drug, Keytruda® (pembrolizumab)
Provided more than £27 million to fund the search for new medicines and diagnostics to tackle COVID-19
New strategy, ‘Making life science life changing’
Announced our first Translational Challenges – Chronic Respiratory Infection and Motor Neuron Disease
Announced Global Health, Rare Disease and Childhood Cancer Translational Challenges
Want to know more about our vision and strategy?
Latest news
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LifeArc launches first study of Our Future Health data using in-house data science capabilities
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LifeArc appoints new General Counsel and Company Secretary and Chief Communications Officer
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LifeArc supports research to develop a quick, affordable blood test for the early detection of dementia