New strategy to boost Britain’s £64bn life sciences sector

New measures to make the UK an international benchmark for success in life sciences will be revealed by British-Canadian geneticist Sir John Bell.

Industry proposals to boost the sector, already worth an estimated £64bn to the British economy, will be discussed later today (August 30) at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Translational Medicine.

The event will also be attended by Business Secretary Greg Clark and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who will unveil details of a £160m government investment to support life sciences businesses and the NHS.

The Business Secretary will discuss how £146m of previously announced funding, delivered over four years, will support priorities such as manufacturing, vaccine development and advanced therapies and medicines.

The Health Secretary, meanwhile, will pledge £14m to support 11 medical technology research centres to encourage collaboration between the NHS and businesses in bringing new technologies to patients.

Sir John Bell is expected to say: “The vision for the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy is an ambitious one and sets out proposals for how the UK can continue to capitalise on its strengths in the sector, both to encourage economic growth and to improve health outcomes for patients.

“We have created a strategy which capitalises on our strong science base to further build the industry into a globally-unique and internationally competitive life sciences eco-system, supported by collaboration across industry, government, the NHS, academia, and research funders to deliver health and wealth.”

He continued: “I look forward to working with government to consider the strategy’s recommendations, including those that can be taken forward as part of an ambitious sector deal.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is due to say: “The UK has always been at the forefront of scientific excellence. From the discovery of antibiotics to our world-leading 100,000 Genomes project, we have a proud history of medical breakthrough and innovation.

“I want patients to continue to be at the front of the queue for the best treatments available, whether that means early access to trials, giving staff brand new innovations and technology to work with, or being at the heart of research to share best practice quickly across the health and social care system.”

He added: “A strong and growing life sciences sector ensures this, particularly as we negotiate our exit from the EU.”