CEO Update - 18 March 2024

A year ago, the life sciences sector faced a significant challenge with the SVB UK collapse. This event threatened to disrupt vital research and development for many companies. Today, we're taking a moment to reflect on that experience and share valuable resources to help us all build a more resilient future. 

Member spotlight: Meet OMass Therapeutics

In this blog, Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics, a member of the BIA Board and a member of the Prime Ministers 2024 Business Council, shares how the company is pioneering new approaches to drug discovery, targeting challenging diseases with their advanced platform.

CEO Update - 11 March 2024

The Chancellor's Budget last week had plenty for UK life sciences. The BIA’s mission to unlock pension funds for investment into UK life sciences took a great leap forward with the announcement that the life sciences team of Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) has successfully partnered with Phoenix Group.

Breaking Barriers: Leigh Stoddart reflects on #IWD2024

Dr. Leigh Stoddart, Principal Scientist at Excellerate Bioscience and newly announced Fellow for the British Pharmacological Society (BPS), reflects on her career journey on International Women’s Day 2024. From her undergrad days at Unilever to her current role, Leigh's passion for receptor pharmacology shines. She discusses her role at Excellerate, the significance of her BPS fellowship, and the importance of International Women's Day in science.

IRC unveils comprehensive analysis of the UK's deep biotech infrastructure landscape

In this blog, Maddie Cass, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Executive at the BIA, shares insights on the Innovation & Research Caucus (IRC) recent report, which examines the current state of the UK's non-health engineering biology infrastructure.

Spring Budget 2024 life sciences announcements

In this blog, Dr Martin Turner, Associate Director, Policy, Public Affairs & Investor Relations at BIA takes a closer look at the impact of the Spring Budget on UK life sciences, examines key announcements and invites you to join our webinar tomorrow for a deeper dive into the implications.

CEO Update - 4 March 2024

It is the Budget week at Westminster and all eyes will be on the Chancellor's statement this Wednesday. We've already seen Jeremy Hunt doubled down on the pensions reform agenda in weekend reporting and I'm hopeful we'll see more to support the life science sector this week.

Reflections on the BIA Committee Summit 2024

​​​​Herbie Lambden, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Executive at the BIA, provides a rundown of the BIA Committee Summit, which took place in Westminster on 21 February.

The need for continued collaboration on rare diseases

There are 3.5 million people in the UK living with a rare disease, and Rare Disease Day provides a crucial opportunity to draw attention to the inequities faced by patients and their families. In this blog, Emily Klein, Policy and Public Affairs Executive, reflects on the BIA’s recent parliamentary reception held ahead of Rare Disease Day 2024.  

Member spotlight: Meet Excellerate Bioscience

Nick Holliday, Chief Scientific Officer at Excellerate Bioscience unveils the journey of the cutting-edge contract research organisation, rewriting the rules of pre-clinical drug discovery with its pioneering cellular and molecular pharmacology services.

CEO Update - 26 February 2024

This Thursday marks Rare Disease Day, and as it is a leap year it is taking place on the rarest day of all – 29 February. There are 3.5 million people in the UK living with a rare condition and one in 17 people will be affected by a rare condition at some point in their lives.

CEO Update - 20 February 2024

I'm looking forward to the BIA Committee Summit this week. It will be great to see 200 members in Westminster at one of the most lively and insightful events we do each year. I know it's the volunteer expert army that gives the BIA its unique impact with government and it's always great to understand the committee's priorities and the ideas at the intersection between committees that arise from the event.

Beyond health: why BIA is championing the biorevolution 

The BIA has named this frontier of science Deep Biotech. Our brand-new report, "Deep Biotech: Disruptive innovation for global sustainability" highlights how deep biotech is key to creating a sustainable UK bioeconomy and making the UK a science superpower that benefits all. 

Recent decision from the EPO smooths the way to obtaining patents in Europe

The BIA’s Intellectual Property Advisory Committee (IPAC) helps BIA understand and shape the environment for IP ownership to ensure strong protection for BIA member companies. Our EU policy subcommittee has taken a look at what a recent European decision means for the right to claim priority to an earlier filed patent application. This blog sets out some of the details of the case, and the practical implications for BIA members.​​​​​​​

CEO Update - 12 February 2024

It was great to see the hugely positive response we’ve had to the launch of our new report "Deep Biotech: Disruptive innovation for global sustainability". I believe we're on the cusp of a biorevolution powered by Deep Biotech, and I want our Association at the forefront of shaping the future of Deep Biotech and championing its disruptive potential.

Enter the dragon: Exploring China’s life sciences market

Next week, Chinese people across the world will be celebrating Chinese New Year. This is the “year of the dragon”, a symbol of strength for the Chinese people. It also represents prosperity, a value Chinese strive for across aspects of life, society and business.

#NAW2024: Will Smith on his Process Development Apprenticeship

I started my apprenticeship in 2020 with Gyroscope therapeutics as a process development apprentice where I worked in a small team developing a process for the production and purification of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) to treat dry AMD.

#NAW2024: Will Crisp's journey through Level 5 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

I have recently finished a level 5 laboratory technician apprenticeship, while working as an apprentice at Gyroscope Therapeutics. I am 22 and started the apprenticeship after finishing my A levels.

#NAW2024: Hélène Trottin's journey through MBA apprenticeship

"The apprenticeship helped me open my mind about the extent of career possibilities in our industry and beyond. It made me more confident about my own capabilities, and how these could be of benefit to both my career and my organisation."

CEO Update - 5 February 2024

Fantastic news that new BIA Board member Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics has been appointed by the Prime Minister to serve on his prestigious Business Council alongside some of the biggest names from across UK business. Read on for Labour’s plan for the life sciences sector and our latest award.