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.

Key facts about the UK life sciences sector

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.

Key facts about BIA

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.

Company profile

About the BioIndustry Association (BIA)

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

Downloadable resources

Latest press releases

22 Nov 23

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.

06 Nov 23

Press releases

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.