Welcome to the Media Centre

The BIA Media Centre is a resource space for journalists and members of the press who are looking for information and experts on key issues within the UK biotech and life sciences sector.

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the voice of the innovative life sciences and biotech industry, enabling and connecting the UK ecosystem so that businesses can start, grow and deliver world-changing innovation. We work with our members and partners to champion innovation, attract and develop talent, drive investment, build global partnerships, influence policy, and engage the ecosystem.

In this Media Centre, you will find:

  • Press releases and statements on the latest news and developments in the UK biotech and life sciences sector.
  • Backgrounders on key issues, such as regulation, funding and intellectual property.
  • Experts for interviews on a range of topics.
  • A calendar of events, including industry conferences and trade shows.

  • The UK accounts for 35% of all life science start-ups created in Europe since 2012, according to data published by McKinsey.
  • Government figures show there are over 6,548 businesses in the UK life sciences industry, and approximately 70-80% are small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses employ over 282,000 people and generated £94.2 billion of turnover in 2021. The number of businesses and the number of sites operated by these businesses have both seen an upward trend since 2009, with 23% more businesses and 32% more sites operating across the UK in 2021 compared to 2009.
  • Investment in UK life science start-ups and scale-ups as risen from £261 million in 2012 to £1.8 billion in 2022, but fluctuates significantly depending on global macro-economic factors. More UK-based investment is required to complement overseas capital.   
  • Medical innovation is driven by smaller companies, which represent 65% of the global drug development pipeline with an additional 7% being developed by them in partnership with larger firms, according to data published by IQVIA.

BIA was founded in 1989 and has over 500 members, including start-ups, SMEs, pharmaceutical companies, universities and charities. We are headquartered in Bloomsbury, London and are the leading voice in the UK life sciences sector, regularly consulted by the government on key policy issues.

About the BioIndustry Association (BIA)

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the voice of the innovative life sciences and biotech industry, enabling and connecting the UK ecosystem so that businesses can start, grow and deliver world-changing innovation.

Helping biotech and life sciences sector to influence, connect and save.  www.bioindustry.org

 

 Latest press releases

 

BIA responds to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement 2023

Life science spin-outs, start-ups and scale-ups are key drivers of the UK’s innovation-based economy and crucial for discovering and developing new medicines to save lives in the NHS. The UK is home to a third of life science startups founded in Europe since 2012 and companies like them are responsible for nearly two-thirds of medicines being developed globally.

bioProcessUK to celebrate biotech’s shining stars 

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) will honour two distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to the innovative life sciences and biotech sector.

UK biotech fundraising picks up with best quarterly total since 2021

The UK biotech sector secured a substantial total of £563 million in venture capital and public financing during the three months spanning June to August 2023, data published today by the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) and Clarivate shows.

Rare disease companies call for UK leadership in supporting access to new treatments

A group of companies developing innovative new medicines for rare diseases, working together through their trade association, is calling for the UK to lead greater collaboration between stakeholders, and uptake of best practice both in the UK and internationally, to improve access to new treatments for patients.

UK TechBio driving AI revolution in drug discovery and patient care

AI, gene editing, engineering biology, and investor interest drive growth in UK bioeconomy.

UK set to lead global delivery of next-generation mRNA medicines

BIA's new explainer shows how the UK is leading the way in mRNA, a strategic technology of the future.

Resources and reports 

UK biotech financing June – August 2023

UK biotech is on a robust upward trajectory this year, raising a total of £563 million in venture capital and public financings during the three months leading up to September.

 

Upcoming events 
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Women in Biotech - London

London
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BIA Gala Dinner 2024

The Roundhouse
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TechBio X - Cambridge

Melbourn Science Park, Cambridge
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BIA Committee Summit 2024

Church House, London