Johnson & Johnson has opened the Johnson & Johnson Innovation center in London, one of four regional hubs being established this year in the world's leading innovation hotspots. A part of Johnson & Johnson Innovation, the goal of the London innovation center is to accelerate the best early stage science in the world and advance the development of new healthcare solutions.

"Britain has a worldwide reputation for excellence in innovation—the investment by Johnson & Johnson here demonstrates this and I am delighted to welcome this new center to the U.K.," said Jeremy Hunt, U.K. secretary of state for health.

Paul Stoffels, MD, chief scientific officer and worldwide chairman of pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, said, "The London innovation center is part of Johnson & Johnson's broader innovation strategy to advance human health through collaboration with the world's leading scientists and entrepreneurs. We are looking forward to collaborating within the U.K., home to one of the world's thriving life sciences ecosystems." 

The Johnson & Johnson Innovation center in London will house science and technology experts with broad expertise in developing new solutions and products. The center will have local deal-making capabilities to flexibly adapt deal structures to match early-stage opportunities. This will enable scientists, entrepreneurs and emerging companies to deliver innovation via collaboration with experts who can drive partnerships across the pharmaceutical, medical device & diagnostics and consumer healthcare companies of Johnson & Johnson.

"Our on-the-ground proximity to regional scientists and entrepreneurs will allow us to build the strong personal relationships that underlie the most successful collaborations and investment deals," said Patrick Verheyen, head of the Johnson & Johnson Innovation center in London. "At Johnson & Johnson Innovation, we are committed to ensuring healthcare remains not only a significant source of economic prosperity in the U.K., but also a driving force for improving the health and happiness of people worldwide."

In addition to the new Johnson & Johnson Innovation center in London, similar facilities are planned in Boston, San Francisco and, later this year, in Shanghai. Each city was selected for its robust life sciences community.

The Johnson & Johnson Innovation center in London is located at 1 Chapel Place, London, W1G OBJ.