Medical Biotechnology sector
The UK's medical biotechnology sector is the most mature in Europe and second globally only to the US, with 40% of public biotech companies and 17% of all European biotech companies (2005). There are approximately 450 biotechnology businesses in the UK employing 21,830 with revenues around £2.63bn. The companies are supported by the UK's trade association, the BioIndustry Association (BIA).
The UK is well placed in the European biotechnology scene because of its greater maturity and much stronger product pipeline. UK companies account for an estimated 35% of products in the drug development pipeline from public biotech companies and have 41% of new biotechnology drugs in late stage clinical trials (Phase III) in Europe. Leading biotechnology companies in the UK include UCB Celltech, Avecia, PBL and Antisoma and the US-headquartered multinationals Amgen and Genzyme.
The UK is home to several of the largest specialised biotechnology investment funds. UK has particular expertise in a number of areas for human health these are: Neurosciences, Oncology, Infectious diseases, Vaccines, Monoclonal antibodies, tissue engineering and stem cell technology. Key biotechnology clusters are in the South and East of England (London, Oxford and Cambridge), the North West of England, (Manchester/Liverpool) and Central Scotland.
Bioscience 2015 was the final report of the Bioscience Innovation and Growth Team, published in November 2003. Its recommendations to government were aimed at improving the health and wealth of the country as a whole, as well as that of the patients, the NHS and the bioscience industry itself.
The Government response to the Bioscience 2015 is available for download.
In January 2008, Sir David Cooksey announced a review of Bioscience 2015, at the twelfth BioIndustry Association (BIA) annual Gala Dinner.
Sir David Cooksey will chair the review which will once again be a partnership between the BioIndustry Association and Government.
Sir David Cooksey said:
The Bioscience 2015 report was published in 2003 and the Prime Minister has asked me to conduct a mid-term review to examine what has been achieved to date. There have been some notable successes including the establishment of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration and the introduction of legislation to combat animal rights extremists.
However, where we have not made progress is in financing of bioscience companies. Early stage funding is every bit as tough to get as it ever was and big pharma finds it harder to be generous to this sector. The industry, like the science, is moving on and we must ensure that we are best placed to exploit the opportunities.
Business Minister Shriti Vadera said:
We need the UK's bioscience industry to continue to innovate, grow and increase its global competitiveness for the benefit of patients and the economy.
There has been good progress to date, but this review will address what more needs to be done to drive the development of the industry.
Dr Clive Dix, Chairman of the BIA said:
The BIA welcomes this opportunity to review the Bioscience 2015 report. The review is timely as the financial environment for bioscience companies, especially those at early stages, is very challenging.
Alongside our involvement in the review, the BIA is establishing two initiatives designed to help early stage bioscience companies address the financial challenge: a Fledgling Club and a BioAngels network.