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.

Explore opportunities to influence, connect and save with BIA www.bioindustry.org

 

 Latest press releases

 

UK biotech investment increases amidst progress in City of London to unlock new capital

The second quarter of 2023 has seen steady growth in financing activity for the UK’s life sciences sector, as revealed by new data released by the BioIndustry Association (BIA) and Clarivate. The positive news comes soon after industry figures welcomed recent announcements to unlock new sources of capital in the City of London.

BIA is first occupier at Victoria House, London’s life sciences hub

Oxford and Pioneer Group launch plans for central London's largest office-to-life sciences conversion project, securing first lease with BIA.

BIA joins UK Health Data Research Alliance

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) joins the UK Health Data Research Alliance as a member, alongside UK national data custodians, NHS foundation trusts and research institutes to help develop best practice around the ethical use of health data. 

Pensions industry commitment to unlock investment welcomed by biotech leaders

Life science leaders applaud new initiatives to unlock pension fund assets for investment in the sector.

Boost UK manufacturing for £15 billion new investment, says medicines manufacturing alliance

The UK’s position as a manufacturing leader has declined, and a formerly strong trade balance has become a deficit, with medicine exports falling from almost $37 billion in 2015 to $25 billion in 2020.

BIA calls on government to support an attractive UK commercial environment for medicines

BIA has today published a report calling for the next Voluntary Pricing and Access Scheme (VPAS) to build on the spirit of partnership between government and life sciences industry seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resources and reports 

BIA position on WHO pandemic accord

The UK Government is currently involved in the negotiation of an international treaty on pandemic preparedness and response at the World Health Organization (WHO). The BIA has submitted a position statement to Government.

 

Upcoming events 
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The Future of UK Regulation Conference 2023

No.11 Cavendish Square, London
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TechBio UK 2023

Kings Place, Kings Cross
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Women in Biotech - Oxford

Oxford University Museum of Natural History