A Californian firm is to create a base at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow as part of a £10.5m investment in life sciences.

BioClavis, an extension of molecular profiling company Byospyder, plans to create 43 jobs at the hospital's clinical innovation zone.

Economy secretary Keith Brown said the jobs are part of an overall £10.5m investment in life sciences supported by Scottish Enterprise.

BioSpyder's investment has been supported by a £4.5m award from the enterprise agency.

The investment will see BioClavis develop a diagnostic tool for precision medicine in collaboration with the health service and university researchers.

Mr Brown's announcement came during a visit to the US and Canada, where he is promoting Scotland to the North American business community.

He said: "This is an exciting time for life sciences businesses in Scotland.

"The sector is strong and continuing to grow - providing employment for over 37,000 people.

"This government has worked hard to enhance Scotland's growing reputation as a global centre of excellence for clinical research.

Joel McComb, chief executive officer of BioSpyder and BioClavis, said: "We determined Glasgow to be the ideal location for this initiative based in large part on the support and close working relationships with Scottish Enterprise, NHS and the university."

On his US visit, Mr Brown has also met life sciences inward investor Acadian Seaplants, which recently acquired Uist Asco, a seaweed business on the Isle of North Uist.

Paul Lewis, managing director of Scottish Development International, said: "Scotland continues to be a leading location for foreign direct investment and these two latest investments reflect our expertise in the life sciences sector, the skills of our people and the quality of our business environment.

"We look forward to working with BioSpyder, BioClavis and Arcadian Seaplants as they become the newest members of Scotland's growing inward investment community."