The recommendations build on those in the original Bioscience 2015 report published in 2003, the most influential report on the UK bioscience sector produced at that time, and supported by the then Prime Minster, Tony Blair. The Review and Refresh report both tracks progress against the original recommendations and makes new ones in the light of the current operating environment for bioscience companies, including:
Much has been achieved since the publication of the original Bioscience 2015 report including: Government reinforcement and ring-fencing of the funding of medical research, with a special emphasis on translational research; the introduction of effective legislation to tackle animal rights extremism, and the establishment of bioProcessUK which has fostered strong links between business and academia in the field of bioprocessing.
However progress in other key areas has been more limited, most notably in the area of finance.
Sir David Cooksey, Chairman of the Bioscience 2015 Review and Refresh Steering Group, commented:
“The UK bioscience sector should be one of the UK’s high achieving, knowledge based industries, yet despite excellent progress in certain areas, its future is at risk if we do not act now. In particular, it is vital that the problem that the sector is currently facing from inadequate financing is addressed, otherwise the future of early-stage bioscience companies is in doubt. In addition, the adoption of new therapies, drugs and procedures in the NHS continues to be painfully slow. Government must ensure that effective incentives are in place to maximise patient benefit through the timely introduction of new therapies.
Ian Pearson, Business Minister at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, said:
“The bioscience sector is of vital importance to the future of the UK economy. Significant progress has been made since the Bioscience 2015 report but, in an evolving marketplace, we remain alert to changing needs.
“As with so many others, this sector is facing enormous challenges in the current economic climate, and so we welcome the work that Sir David has done in assessing where improvements can be made. This report offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the bioscience sector, and we will respond fully to it in due course.”
Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Science and Innovation at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), a major funder of basic health and translational research in the UK, said:
“I am pleased to see this report highlights the increased support which Government has committed to medical research. The quality of UK medical research has never been better.
“I am well aware of the funding complexities and significance of the industry’s role in converting world class medical research into new medical treatments and I will be studying the recommendations of this report as a matter of priority.”
Dr Clive Dix, Chairman of the BioIndustry Association, added:
“Even before the current economic downturn, UK bioscience companies faced substantial challenges in raising finance. A new approach to funding is needed to bridge the gap left by institutional investors in order to retain a sustainable UK bioscience sector. It is vital that this report and its recommendations are acted on swiftly to safeguard a generation of emerging bioscience companies. The UK has enormous potential in this field and we hope this report will speed up the translation of innovative research into new medicines and treatments for patients.”
