CEO Update | 1 August 2022
Innovative UK Genomics companies are vital to the future wealth of our nation
Last week we released our Genomics Nation 2022 report, in partnership with the Medicines Discovery Catapult and Wellcome Sanger Institute, which showcases the strengths and opportunities of this vibrant UK ecosystem of entrepreneurs, spin-outs and scale-ups.
The new data shows that UK genomics companies raised £1.9 billion in venture investment and £35.7 million in public grants since 2017, demonstrating the strength of this innovative sector.
Innovative UK Genomics companies are vital to the future wealth of our nation. With the right investment, skilled people and partnership working with the NHS family, UK small and medium-sized enterprises are ideally placed to be key global players in the growing subsectors within genomics such as functional genomics, epigenetics, transcriptomics and pharmacogenomics.
The application and industrialization of this technology is transforming both healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. Our growing sector needs great people who can use computational and data science skills to deliver our transforming health projects.
Key findings from the report include:
- the genomics sector consists of 121 companies employing over 3,500 highly skilled people
- has a market cap of over £3.5 billion based on deals since 2017
- is young and growing, with half at early or seed stage
- has a higher proportion of spin-outs (34%) compared to other sectors (2.7%)
- relies on a range of skilled professionals, with 70% saying it was challenging to recruit for computational and data science skills.
BIA response to DHSC consultation on the future strategy for batch testing of medicines in Great Britain
The BIA has responded to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consultation on the future strategy for batch testing of medicines in Great Britain. The consolidated BIA response was developed with input from our Regulatory Affairs Advisory Committee. It is important that the consultation outcome supports the ambitions of the Life Sciences Vision and ensures that the UK retains and grows its reputation as a world-leading base for innovation and investment in R&D, while protecting patient safety and access to medicines, and maintaining globally harmonised standards.
Steve Bates OBE
CEO, BioIndustry Association