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CEO Update | 17 October 2022
TechBio isn’t the future, TechBio is now.
Last week we were proud to hold our inaugural TechBio UK conference, showcasing the work of incredible companies working at the interface of biotechnology and technology. These companies combine cutting-edge techniques from both sectors to draw insights from a wealth of data, including data concerning patients, drug molecules, healthcare infrastructure and research and development, to inform and transform drug discovery and patient care.
TechBio UK has emerged from extensive conversations with the BIA’s membership and stakeholders where it was made clear to us that this part of the UK ecosystem will be a key strategic growth area for many companies in the coming years and decades. I was delighted that our conference was able to give a platform to the growing community of highly skilled leaders and companies who are established and emerging in the UK space, talking about their companies’ journeys, experiences and innovations, as well as discussing matters at the top of the agenda for techbio companies such as IP, regulation and access.
I look forward to watching this community and TechBio UK grow in the coming years. Take a look at our new Tech Bio 2.0 report with some fascinating case studies of the work companies are doing in this area.
Further good news on the tecbio front is the collaboration announced between Illumina and AstraZeneca to align artificial intelligence (AI) development efforts and NHS England publishing its new strategy 'Accelerating genomic medicine in the NHS' last week. The strategy outlines how genomics will be embedded in the NHS over the next 5 years. Specifically for our sector, the strategy aims to enable the rapid evaluation and adoption of affordable, efficient, and innovative genomic technologies. The importance of genomics to the data digital revolution is called out as a priority area. Notably, the strategy commits to ensuring ‘alignment with clinical trials, national life sciences projects and supporting the growth of life sciences in the UK’. The publication came on the same day as a new genetic testing service for children was announced. NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard hailed it as the start of a 'new era of genomic medicine'.
Key UK RNA Centre opens and further positive UK sector news
Great to see that CPI’s RNA Centre of Excellence and RNA training academy opened last week, which will support the development, scale-up and manufacture of new RNA therapies and vaccines, and the upskilling of scientists to support the soaring global demand for RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.
Purolite held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday to celebrate its increased bioprocessing resin production and manufacturing expansion, which will triple the production capacity of the company’s innovative resins following increased investment in its facilities and workforce.
Earlier this month, the Government’s Energy Bills Relief Scheme was launched to provide support for businesses facing rapidly increasing energy costs. The scheme is set to last for six months. At the same time, the Government has launched a three-month review to find out which businesses and sectors are most vulnerable to energy price hikes.
To help discover this, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a survey about the impact of rising energy prices, which we have been asked to share with our members. The deadline for responses is midnight on Monday 24 October. I know that this is very short notice, but with government departments sending this questionnaire out across many different industry sectors, it is vital that the voice of biotech is heard in this process. I do hope you will be able to fill in the survey (you can skip questions which don’t apply or are too difficult to answer) to help shape government policy on support for our industry.
Quarterly influencing report out now
We continue to represent our members’ voices at the highest levels through our policy and influencing work. This quarterly update gives an overview of key policy developments and BIA’s continued involvement with policymakers, regulatory authorities and wider stakeholders on behalf of the UK life sciences sector, from July to October 2022.
The summer break usually means less politics-watching for the BIA team, but the change in Government kept us on our toes this year. Read the full report to find out the extent of our reach!
Steve Bates OBE
CEO, BioIndustry Association