The BIA at JP Morgan week and Biotech Showcase 2018

The JP Morgan week at the start of the year was a must attend event for many investors and CEOs from small biotechs to large pharma in the Life Sciences sector. For four days in early January San Francisco became a focus for life science entrepreneurs, as the annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference and Biotech Showcase came to town. This was an important opportunity to collaborate, partner and seek investment from a huge range of companies from around the world.

Showcasing the UK’s genomics industry

On 8 January the BIA co-hosted a panel at Biotech Showcase with Genomics England and MedCity, bringing together representatives from Genomics England, technology partners, the venture community, and SMEs to demonstrate the capabilities of the UK’s genomics industry.

Delegates discovered how they can utilise UK genomics technologies and access the Genomics England invaluable database. Our panel included representatives from some of the companies using this database to maximise patient benefit and drug discovery, including BIA members Eagle Genomics and Congenica.

 

Sir John Chisholm, Executive Chair of Genomics England, explained how the UK Government’s recent Industrial Strategy highlights the commitment to genomics and support of a thriving Life Science industry. He explained that the unique depth and breadth of the Genomics England data stems from the combination of millions of clinical data points that are linked to the whole genome, which was only possible in a large comprehensive healthcare system such as the NHS. This system brings with it the need to commit to a set of standards to ensure they carry public support, as ultimately the data belongs to the people.  Dr Eliot Forster, Chair of MedCity and CEO of Immunocore, told us that the genomics sector is expected to outpace the global market, reflecting the UK’s pioneering industry and research.

Welcoming the UK delegation

The Department for International Trade (DIT) and Scottish Development International hosted a UK-networking reception on the first evening of the conference. Andrew Whittaker, the HM Consul General to San Francisco, provided the initial welcome. He followed by introducing Professor Joanne Hackett, Chief Commercial Officer at Genomics England, who highlighted the opportunities of their Discovery Forum which is now open to new members The aim of the Forum is to align the right companies with the right opportunities, and foster cross-sector collaboration and engagement. Our CEO, Steve Bates, finished off by informing us that there is more happening during JP Morgan week than meets the eye, and this busy week of meetings, rushing from hotel lobbies to coffee shops, is an important start for many in the life science sector.

 

This trip to San Francisco is part of a series of international missions to showcase the UK Life Science sector, encourage collaboration, and increase international trade post-Brexit.