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Latest news from BIA
CEO Update | 27 June 2022
I was delighted to see the announcement from Moderna that it has chosen the UK to base its mRNA Innovation and Technology Centre and an additional mRNA manufacturing centre. Alongside other recent investments from the likes of Fujifilm and ThermoFisher, the UK is now superbly placed to ensure the next generation of therapeutics and vaccines are developed and manufactured for the globe right here within our world-class ecosystem.
Working with the UK’s rich health data
The UK has rich and diverse health data which provides exceptional opportunities for research and innovation. Despite this opportunity, the transformative potential of health data research is far from being realised in full. Only a fraction of NHS, biomedical and health-relevant data is accessible to inform research. It can take a very long time to apply for data access and have all the relevant approvals, checks and safeguards in place to do the analysis. And once data access is granted, data can of variable quality. Read this blog by Dr James Pickett, Hub Development Manager at HDR UK about creation of large, safe data sharing initiatives across the UK.
Data saves lives: a new era for health data research?
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published a new strategy ‘Data Saves Lives: Reshaping Health and Social Care with Data’. It seeks to drive innovation and improve efficiency across the NHS, while resetting the relationship with the public on health data. Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Dr Emma Lawrence, outlines what this means for the life science sector, including our growing TechBio community.
CEO Update | 20 June 2022
Last week saw the culmination of months of negotiation at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and where despite attempts by industry, the conference (MC12) voted to endorse a TRIPS waiver for COVID-19 vaccines. My fear, as I have stated publicly since the start of the crisis, is that the new WTO agreement will make it far harder for innovative small biotech companies to raise finance to develop their innovations against the next threat and does nothing to solve the immediate access to vaccines challenges the globe faces. It incorrectly points to intellectual property as a barrier to the pandemic response rather than an enabler bringing healthcare solutions, safely and quickly to patients.
UK biotech leaders urge policy makers to boost sector as economic climate worsens
The UK biotech sector has continued to attract investment despite global economic headwinds impacting all sectors, new data published by the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) and Clarivate shows today (30 June 2022). The data has been published as biotech leaders visit the Houses of Parliament to press policy makers to make the most of the UK’s competitive advantage to be at the forefront of global innovation in the 21st Century. The new data on equity investment in the UK biotech and life sciences sector between March and May 2022 shows £450m was raised, compared to £481m in the first quarter of 2022
UK life sciences sector response to COVID-19 key for Moderna investment
Steve Bates OBE, Chief Executive of the BioIndustry Association and former member of the UK Vaccine Taskforce in 2020 said: “UK innovators look forward to welcoming the Moderna team into our collaborative and capable community. The UK’s life science ecosystem’s innovation base, with Moderna’s new mRNA Innovation and Technology Centre and additional mRNA manufacturing centre stage, is now superbly placed to ensure the next generation of mRNA technologies, including next generation vaccines, are developed and manufactured for the globe from the UK."
BIA reacts to WTO ministerial conference on IP TRIPS Waiver
Commenting on the decision by the WTO World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC12) to endorse a TRIPS waiver for COVID-19 vaccines, Steve Bates OBE, Chief Executive of the BIA said: “The new WTO agreement will make it far harder for innovative small biotech companies to raise finance to develop their innovations against the next threat and does nothing to solve the immediate access to vaccines challenges the globe faces. It incorrectly points to intellectual property as a barrier to the pandemic response rather than an enabler bringing healthcare solutions, safely and quickly to patients.”
BIA publishes analysis of Innovation Map at BIA Start-up Festival
The BioIndustry Association (BIA) has today released analysis of its Innovation Map at its Start-up Festival. The Innovation Map was launched in 2021 and is a resource to support next generation entrepreneurs to find relevant programmes to establish or grow their business within the UK life sciences and biotech ecosystem.
New HealthTech directorship at CPI to boost innovation that will urgently improve global health and care
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve appointed Rahul Kapoor as our first HealthTech Director, marking our purposeful shift toward HealthTech.
RBW Consulting wins Best Corporate Social Responsibility award
BIA member, RBW Consulting has just been named winner in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility category at the 2022 Best Business Awards. The award was in recognition of work tied to its IMPACT programme, which in the last year focused on a research initiative into the mental health impact of a rare disease diagnosis. The project has been recognised and endorsed by individuals and organisations from the rare disease community and was presented to over 150 people via webinar at launch.
Mayer Schreiber of Discovery Park on BIO International and how the Life Science community is transforming futures across the globe
BIO International and how the Life Science community is transforming futures across the globe
Coulter Partners D&I Interview Series: Industry perspectives with Tomoko Adachi
“… For us to drive innovation that addresses the diverse healthcare needs of our global society, we need a diverse team…” In the next interview in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership series, we spoke to Tomoko Adachi, General Manager of Global HR and HR Business Partner for the Cardiac and Vascular Company at Terumo Corporation. Tomoko shares her insights in good D, E & I practice from her recent experience in medtech and compares this with what she has seen in the tech world, drawing on her 29-year tenure with Sony before Terumo.
Here's a selection of featured BIA publications. See Resources Hub
Biotech financing update: Mar 2022 - May 2022
Genomics Spotlight: Leading Innovations 2022
BIA submission to the DWP consultation on facilitating investment in illiquid assets
We have responded to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consultation on facilitating investment in illiquid assets.
Influencing and shaping our sector | BIA update: January to April 2022
