A FUTURISTIC science research centre that could unlock the secret to a cure for some of the world's biggest killer diseases is to be established in the North-East.

Called the Institute for Bioinformatics (IfB), it will bring together scientists and supercomputers to create a new generation of pharmaceutical drugs.

The institute will be the first of its kind in the UK and will put the North-East in the forefront of a rapidly growing international field.

Linking Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Teesside and Sunderland universities, the institute will boost the region's growing reputation as an international force in research and development.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt will announce a £3.8m funding package from regional develop- ment agency One NorthEast and the Department of Trade and Industry to set up the institute within university and business locations in the region.

Mrs Hewitt said: "This new research institute will help bring investment, scientific breakthroughs and successful businesses to the region.

"This is one of the many scientific success stories in the North-East and it will cement the North-East's growing reputation as a top location for scientific research and development."

The institute will bring together biologists, physicists, mathematicians and business experts.

By using supercomputers to analyse biological information, the intention is to create drugs individually tailored to patient needs.

Creating up to 20 graduate-level jobs in its first phase, the institute is expected to lead to the creation of companies and technologies that will benefit regional and national businesses.

The other partner in the consortium is Nonlinear Dynamics, a Newcastle company that is a world leader in providing software solutions to analysing scientific samples.

Margaret Fay, chairwoman of One NorthEast, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to work with partners in our universities, businesses and Government to develop this prestigious international institute.

"The launch of IfB is a key step in the implementation of the Strategy for Success and our region's plans to develop a knowledge economy for the 21st Century, creating new prosperity, job and business opportunities and skills development.

"I am particularly pleased that we have attracted such a high calibre, internationally recognised team to take forward the Institute for Bioinformatics."