UK government's Strategy for UK Life Sciences has made progress but must do more, says report

A review of the UK government's Strategy for UK Life Sciences has found that eight out of the 13 initiatives reviewed have made notable progress towards the actions and commitments set out in the original strategy, but concluded there is still more work to do to meet the strategy's original objectives.

The review was undertaken by the four leading UK human healthcare trade associations that are partners in LifeSciencesUK: Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), BioIndustry Association (BIA) and British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA). Their report looks at the flagship commitments that the organizations believe have the greatest potential in enabling the life sciences sector to thrive, grow and ultimately deliver benefits for patients in the UK.

The group said: “The life science industry is seen as a jewel in the crown of the UK economy and is a fundamental part of the growth strategy. The Strategy for UK Life Sciences shows a commitment to support the UK as a global center of excellence. However, the government has recognized that in order to win the global race, it needs to do more to attract new investment and create new jobs and economic opportunities in an increasingly competitive industry.”

Access to medicines needs to be addressed

Stephen Whitehead, chief executive of the ABPI, said: “With this report we must celebrate the successes we have so far seen relating to the Strategy for UK Life Sciences, but we also need to be realistic in our appraisal and acknowledge that a lot more needs to be done to ensure that patients truly benefit from the innovation that exists in the life sciences sector. The pharmaceutical industry is ready to play its part in defining next steps and working together with government and the NHS to move the strategy forward and deliver on the ambitions set for the UK economy, the NHS and patients.”

Steve Bates, chief executive of the BIA, added: “The [Conservative and Liberal Democrat] Coalition Government has made progress with its Strategy for UK Life Sciences. In particular the Biomedical Catalyst has been well received by companies across the bioscience sector and the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre will provide a valuable resource for the development of new technologies. However, the failure to introduce a fully funded Earlier Access to Medicines Scheme, which will allow UK patients to benefit from the most promising new treatments, needs to be addressed immediately."