7 July 2025

CEO Update - 7 July 2025

The NHS 10-year plan is right to focus on innovation. Science and technology will be at the heart of the health service’s reinvention. By partnering effectively with UK life science companies that are leading the global genomics revolution, the NHS will be a driver of the economic growth the country so sorely needs, at the same time as improving the nation’s health.

The UK life science sector looks forward to delivering more clinical trials and accessing high-quality health data, enabling innovators to develop new drugs, diagnostics, data and apps in partnership with the new look NHS to make a difference not only to patients here but around the world.

BIA influenced this report through our consultation response and participation in government task and finish groups and we are pleased to see so many of the priorities we raised are included in the document.

"Fit for the Future" focuses on long-term resilience, investing in system reform to create a service that can deliver more personalised, preventative care. The plan makes a confident case for transformation, grounded in the belief that better use of what it terms the NHS’ “world-leading data” can fundamentally improve patient outcomes. The plan rethinks how patients first interact with NHS services, whether through 111, pharmacy, or general practice.

Among the boldest and most promising components of the plan is the commitment to expanding same-day access, which should be made possible through the effective adoption of innovation.

As promised last week, we’ll do our analysis of what matters to our sector from the “summer of strategies” over the next few weeks, seeking member insight as we do. Look out for insight blogs across the summer – now it is only the Life Sciences Sector Plan we need to see published to complete the set.

Women in Biotech

It was inspiring to see the energy and leadership on display at last week's Women in Biotech event, held at Imperial’s White City campus. With powerful contributions from partners like Brockton Everlast, who are investing £200 million into an innovation hub alongside Imperial, and from the newly launched Invest in Equity initiative, led by Syncona’s Eliza Petras, the sector is taking real steps to address the gender imbalance in biotech and venture capital.

The BIA’s latest Women in Biotech Leadership report shows just how urgent this work is, with clear evidence of a leaky talent pipeline and underrepresentation of women at the C-suite level. From mentoring schemes to new investment networks, momentum is building.

BIA member Rinri Therapeutics achieves a world first

Rinri Therapeutics have received MHRA approval to begin first-in-human trials of Rincell‑1, a first-in-class regenerative cell therapy designed to treat sensorineural hearing loss by regenerating damaged auditory neurons. This approval places the UK at the frontier of regenerative medicine, as this is the first time such a therapy has progressed to clinical trials anywhere in the world. The trial will be conducted in three centres across the UK.

EU life sciences strategy

Last week, the European Commission released its long-awaited communication on a Strategy for European Life Sciences. Framed as a flagship initiative under President von der Leyen’s 2024– 2029 Political Guidelines, the communication identifies life sciences as a strategic element and enabler of EU competitiveness.

The initiative aims to harmonise policy across industrial and healthcare biotech, balance innovation incentives, and strengthen Europe’s position in a fiercely competitive global sector. EuropaBio have led engagement on this, and I have a fuller briefing on this for those interested.

The Strategy’s trajectory remains forward-looking, especially in relation to the EU Biotech Act, which is still projected for (end of) 2025, and encouragingly, the evolution from draft to final strategy includes notable improvements. Certain restrictions, particularly around the application of industrial biotechnology, have been eased. Narrowly defined indications have been replaced by a more open approach, acknowledging the innovation potential of biotech across sectors such as energy, materials, health, and the environment.

It’s important for us in the UK to stay close to developments in the EU, especially as the UK/EU dialogue continues, and to stay across prospects for biotech across the world, including the US, as we remain a globalised sector.

Life Arc rare disease report

Last week, I attended a launch reception for a new report, 'Accelerating R&D for rare disease in the UK: An opportunity to change millions of lives' by LifeArc and Genetic Alliance UK, calling for faster, more coordinated research and development in the field of rare diseases. The report highlights the challenges faced by patients and their families, delays in diagnosis, limited treatment options, and fragmented research efforts, and outlines a clear set of recommendations to accelerate progress. Rosie Lindup, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager at BIA, was part of the task force that helped shape this report.

At its core is a call for greater collaboration between researchers, industry, regulators, and the NHS, backed by sustainable funding and smarter use of data. Dr Sam Barrel, CEO of LifeArc, said:

The challenges we face are clear - but so is the potential for meaningful change. We can no longer wait for tomorrow.

If we can bring the same urgency and focus to rare disease R&D as we’ve seen in other areas of life sciences innovation, the potential for life-changing breakthroughs is within reach.

Weather set fair for BIA's Summer Party on Wednesday

I’m delighted that it looks like a sunny and warm evening this Wednesday in London for our annual Summer Party, this year on the beautiful lawns at Inner Temple Gardens. The highlight of the summer life sciences social calendar, this is an opportunity not just to unwind and enjoy the sun but also to meet investors, policymakers and industry leaders. This event is always a standout industry moment, and you don't want to miss it.

We are expecting 400 people, and fewer than 10 tickets are available as I write, so get in quick if you want to join us.