New government: new challenges and opportunities for UK life sciences

The new government is a time of opportunity — and a moment where the UK life science sector can capture the focus of incoming ministers with the possibilities for growth, jobs and solutions.

Entrepreneurial companies and a vibrant research base have created a thriving UK ecosystem in genomics and advanced therapies — and now a fledgling mRNA ecosystem. We are a favoured destination for international investors who realise opportunities in turning science into life-changing and planet-saving products.

Vaccine research

The sector’s critical role in national health was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic through the research and manufacturing of vaccines, antivirals and antibodies to combat the virus.

It is vital that the public–private partnership ways of working by the UK Vaccine Taskforce, which will be disbanded at the end of September and relocated in government, are retained in the institutional DNA of Whitehall.

Innovative sciences

The Life Sciences Vision 2021 is the roadmap for government and industry to deliver further highly skilled, well-paid jobs to the UK economy and enable NHS patients to access innovative medicines and treatments.

Liz Truss said in her leadership campaign that she wants to make the UK ‘a science and technology superpower’ — implementing the vision, building on existing UK advantage and navigating the storms on the horizon will be crucial to the UK life sciences and biotech sector achieving that goal.

A key part of this will be enabling UK pension investors to back key businesses in UK life sciences to grow and scale. We can supercharge the UK’s approach to personalised medicines and treatments through genomics with newborn whole genome sequencing, taking us closer to every child born in the UK having access to their genetic data and personalised treatment.

Economic advantages

Life sciences are at the heart of solving the NHS’s biggest challenges with its key role in economic growth by rapidly deploying the latest health innovations.

Dementia — the leading cause of death in the UK — costs the UK £25 billion per year. Poor mental health costs £118 billion.

The economic gains of a successful life sciences strategy are clear and necessary to avoid burdening the NHS. For example, failure to utilise the most innovative treatments for obesity will cost the NHS £10 billion per year by 2050. Research-active hospitals and clinicians provide better-quality, more efficient care.

Life sciences provide a huge boost to the UK economy, generating £36.9 billion in GVA annually and supporting 409,000 jobs while solving some of the biggest healthcare challenges of our generation.

 

 

Steve Bates OBE
CEO, BioIndustry Association