SCIENTISTS in Malvern have moved a step closer to treating liver cancer with a product they are developing - after signing a manufacturing agreement with another company.

A team of more than 10 experts from medical technology company pSiMedica have spent more than three years developing the cancer treatment BrachySil.

Under the initial three-year agreement, AEA Technology QSA's German manufacturing facility Auriga Medical will produce the materials for clinical trials - due to take place in Singapore in May - and for eventual commercial supply.

The product, which has a radioactive isotope embedded in it and is designed for direct injection into the cancerous tumour - has been developed by experts at pSiMedica since the company was formed as a spin-off of Malvern-based science and technology company QinetiQ in December 2000.

Staff at pSiMedica, on Geraldine Road in Malvern Hills Science Park, are hopeful the product will be produced for use in hospitals over the next few years.

"The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone for pSiMedica, being an essential step towards the commercialisation of our first product," said pSimedica's executive chairman, Dr Roger Brimblecombe.

"We're very pleased to have secured the services of AEA Technology QSA's Auriga Medical to carry out this essential role in the overall production and supply process for our product.

"Their involvement will extend through the clinical development phase and continue with the supply of BrachySil when it reaches the market."