Stockport-based Seda Pharmaceutical Development Services is entering its next major phase of growth, as rising international demand continues to fuel the expansion of its end-to-end drug development services. The life sciences firm, which now generates more than half of its revenue from overseas markets, reported turnover of £4.85m in FY25.
Founded in 2015 by former AstraZeneca scientists, Seda was created to bridge a key gap in drug development by integrating pharmaceutical development, clinical pharmacology and advanced modelling. This gives biotech innovators a streamlined, rigorous pathway from discovery to first-in-human trials, delivered as one of the few fully end-to-end offerings in the sector.
Demand for Seda’s integrated approach has accelerated both in the UK and internationally, with revenue rising by 36% over the past four financial years, and exports now surpassing 50% of income. The company partners with biotech firms worldwide, from university spinouts to emerging pharma businesses, helping advance therapies for unmet medical needs. This global impact was recognised in 2024 when Seda received the prestigious King’s Award for International Trade.
To support the next stage of its growth, Seda has continued to expand its scientific and manufacturing capability. An £8m investment, including funding from Santander, enabled the acquisition of its Oakfield site in 2021, and a further 50,000 sq. ft. of space was added in 2023. Earlier this year, the business secured an MHRA license for its new GMP facility, allowing Seda to manufacture early-stage clinical drug products in house.
In November 2025, Seda joined an £18.8m UK-wide radiopharmaceutical consortium led by the National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), developing next-generation targeted alpha therapies for hard-to-treat cancers. Seda’s expertise supports the consortium’s ambition to strengthen the UK’s leadership in advanced nuclear medicine.
Throughout its scale-up journey, Seda has been supported by its long-standing accountancy and advisory partner, JS, whose strategic insight has helped guide the company through multiple phases of expansion, from investment readiness and financial planning to building financial resilience and governance aligned to its increasing international footprint.
Paul Stott, CEO at Seda Pharmaceutical Development Services, said: “Rising global demand for our integrated expertise reflects the challenges biotech companies face in bringing world-changing therapies to patients. As we expand our facilities and capabilities, including our new GMP operations, JS has been a trusted partner, supporting us in navigating the financial and strategic considerations that come with growth.”
