Second Croda deal for Aquapharm

Aquapharm, the Oban-based biotechnology company led by former Ardana chief executive Simon Best, yesterday signed a second deal with Sederma, the cosmetics subsidiary of chemicals company Croda.

The Scottish company is carrying out research to extract chemicals from under the sea.

Keith Layden, president of Croda Enterprise Technology, said: "Aquapharm is one of the UK's most promising biotech firms, breaking new ground with its pioneering research into marine natural products. Our collaboration thus far has led to many exciting new developments."